extrait

Extrait is a French term meaning either an extract or an excerpt. It originates from the verb extraire, from Latin extrahere, and is used across several domains with related but distinct senses.

In literature and publishing, an extrait refers to a short passage taken from a longer work. It is commonly used in reviews, anthologies, or quotations to illustrate a text without presenting it in full. The concept parallels the English term excerpt and is a standard way to cite or discuss portions of a work.

In pharmacology and culinary contexts, an extrait denotes a preparation obtained by concentrating active constituents from a plant or other material. Common examples include extrait de vanille or extrait de café. Extraits can be liquid or solid (dry extract) and may differ from tinctures or essential oils in their concentration and method of preparation. They are used as flavorings, fragrances, medicines, or cosmetic ingredients.

In civil and administrative contexts, an extrait d’acte or extrait de document is an official, certified copy of part of a record. For example, extrait d’acte de naissance, extrait d’acte de mariage, or extrait de casier judiciaire are frequently requested to prove identity or status. Such extracts are issued by relevant authorities and bear official seals or signatures.

In data handling, extrait can also refer to a data extract—a subset of data retrieved from a larger database for analysis, reporting, or transfers. This use aligns with the broader meaning of extracting information from a source.

See also: extract, excerpt, extraction.