Extractive

/ɪkˈstræktɪv/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or involving the removal or drawing out of something, especially resources or substances.

Etymology

From 'extract' + '-ive' (suffix meaning having the nature or quality of). This term became common in industrial and economic contexts in the 19th century.

Kelly Says

When economists talk about 'extractive industries' like mining and oil drilling, they're distinguishing them from manufacturing or agriculture—and the word is loaded with an important implication that you're taking things from the Earth without necessarily replacing them!

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