English · Nature & Environment
extinction
/ɪkˈstɪŋk.ʃən/
[/ɪkˈstɪŋk.ʃən/]
dying out of a species
Advancednoun
Definition
The complete disappearance of a species, so that no members remain alive.
Example
Hunting and habitat loss drove the bird to extinction within a single century.
Hunting and habitat loss drove the bird to extinction within a single century.
Etymology
From Latin 'extinctio', from 'extinguere' to put out.
How & Where It’s Used
Central to conservation; 'mass extinction' marks great die-offs in history.