extinction

ex-tinc-tion · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The state or process of a species ceasing to exist.

  2. 2.

    The complete destruction or end of something.

  3. 3.

    The act of extinguishing or putting out.

Forms

plural: extinctions

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    Mass extinction — The dying out of many species in a short time.
  • •
    On the brink of extinction — Very close to dying out completely.
  • •
    Extinction event — A widespread decrease in biodiversity.

Related words

Antonyms: preservation, survival
See also: endangered, exterminate, extinct
Synonyms: annihilation, disappearance, dying out, elimination

Etymology

From Latin extinctio meaning "a putting out, extinction," from extinguere meaning "to put out, destroy."