extinction

noun ex·tinc·tion \ ik-ˈstiŋ(k)-shən \

Definition of extinction

1 :the act of making extinct or causing to be extinguished

2 :the condition or fact of being extinct or extinguished; also :the process of becoming extinct

extinction of a species

3 :the process of eliminating or reducing a conditioned response by not reinforcing it

See extinction defined for English-language learners

See extinction defined for kids

Examples of extinction in a Sentence

the extinction of all life in the region
the extinction of many old traditions
Mass extinctions of prehistoric animals are known to have occurred.

Recent Examples of extinction from the Web

The National Marine Fisheries Service announced the decision Monday, stating that a team of fisheries and conservation biologists found bluefin at low risk of extinction.

— deborah sullivan brennan, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Endangered species petition for bluefin tuna rejected," 9 Aug. 2017
Early Paleocene landbird supports rapid phylogenetic and morphological diversification of crown birds after the K-Pg mass extinction. PNAS.

— brian switek, Scientific American Blog Network, "A Fossil Bird in the Hand...," 2 Aug. 2017
From an environmental stand point, animal agriculture is the leading cause of species extinction, ocean dead zones, water pollution, and habitat destruction.

— kaleigh fasanella, Teen Vogue, "Professional Surfer Tia Blanco Talks Sexism, Body Image, and Vegan Favorites," 28 July 2017
Every dinosaur on display probably came out of extinction just to get a better look at this corset.

— lauren alexis fisher, Harper's BAZAAR, "North West Demonstrates How To Make A Corset Look Cool," 10 July 2017
Over the past quarter-century, research, tenacious advocates and $16 billion in federal investment have helped keep Northwest salmon from tipping over the brink into extinction.

— rocky barker, idahostatesman, "Northwest salmon, the stuff of legends, still struggle to survive. Can we save them — and at what price?," 8 July 2017
According to the Environmental Investigation Agency, this rate of decline in the elephant popular is unsustainable and could lead to the their extinction.

— chicagotribune.com, "Japanese retail giant to stop selling ivory," 6 July 2017
Horseshoe crabs are living fossils that have survived four mass extinctions.

— sarah kaplan, Washington Post, "This creature has 10 eyes, legs that chew and blood that saved your life," 4 July 2017
They were hunted to the brink of extinction by the early 20th century for their plumage, a demand driven by the women’s hatmaking industry.

— robert cadwallader, star-telegram, "Egrets making life miserable for Arlington residents, but ‘next year we have a plan’," 3 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'extinction.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of extinction

15th century

extinction Synonyms

Synonyms

annihilation, decimation, demolishment, demolition, desolation, devastation, extermination, destruction, havoc, loss, mincemeat, obliteration, ruin, ruination, wastage, wreckage

Antonyms

building, construction, erection, raising

Related Words

depredation, despoilment, despoliation; breakup, collapse, disintegration, dissolution; assassination, execution, killing, massacre, slaughter; dismantlement, effacement, eradication

Near Antonyms

rescue, salvage, salvation, saving; conservation, preservation, protection; reclamation, reconstruction, re-creation, refurbishment, regeneracy, remodeling, renovation, restoration

EXTINCTION Defined for English Language Learners

extinction

noun

Definition of extinction for English Language Learners

: the state or situation that results when something (such as a plant or animal species) has died out completely

EXTINCTION Defined for Kids

extinction

noun ex·tinc·tion \ ik-ˈstiŋk-shən \

Definition of extinction for Students

:the state of being, becoming, or making extinct

Medical Dictionary

extinction

noun ex·tinc·tion \ ik-ˈstiŋ(k)-shən \

medical Definition of extinction

1 :the process of becoming extinct

the extinction of a species

; also :the condition or fact of being extinct

2 :the process of eliminating or reducing a conditioned response by not reinforcing it

Learn More about extinction

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for extinction Spanish Central: Translation of extinction Nglish: Translation of extinction for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of extinction for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about extinction

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extinction

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Examples of extinction in a Sentence

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First Known Use of extinction

extinction Synonyms

Synonyms

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Related Words

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EXTINCTION Defined for English Language Learners

extinction

Definition of extinction for English Language Learners

EXTINCTION Defined for Kids

extinction

Definition of extinction for Students

Medical Dictionary

extinction

medical Definition of extinction

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