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extinct
IPA:
Dictionary definition of extinct
No longer existing or having died out.
"The dodo bird is one of the most famous extinct species."
Detailed meaning of extinct
It can refer to a species of plants or animals, or a population of such species, that no longer exists anywhere in the world. Extinction can happen naturally, as a result of changes in the environment, or it can be caused by human activities such as hunting, habitat destruction, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species.
When a species is said to be extinct, it means that there are no known individuals of that species alive anywhere in the world. When a species is considered to be extinct in the wild, it means that the species only exists in captivity or in cultivation.
Extinction is a natural process that has occurred throughout the history of life on Earth, however, the current rate of extinction is considered to be much higher than the natural background rate, and it's caused by human activities. It's estimated that around 1 million species are at risk of extinction, and many have already gone extinct.
In summary, extinction refers to the state of no longer existing, it can happen naturally or as a result of human activities, and it means that there are no known individuals of that species alive anywhere in the world.
Example sentences containing extinct
1. Scientists warn that if we don't act now, many species will become extinct soon.
2. The fossil record provides key insights into extinct life forms of the past.
3. A local museum displayed sculptures inspired by various extinct animals.
4. The resurgence of vinyl made me realize cassette tapes are nearly extinct.
5. The recent discovery of an extinct bird species excited the research team.
6. Traditional craftsmanship risks becoming extinct in our digital age.
History and etymology of extinct
The adjective 'extinct' has its etymology deeply rooted in Latin. It comes from the Latin word 'extinctus,' which is the past participle of 'extinguere.' 'Extinguere' is a combination of 'ex,' meaning 'out,' and 'stinguere,' meaning 'to quench' or 'to extinguish.' Therefore, 'extinctus' signifies something that has been 'quenched out' or 'extinguished.' As this Latin term transitioned into Old French and eventually Middle English, it retained its fundamental meaning, describing something that is no longer in existence, has died out, or has been completely extinguished. The term 'extinct' continues to convey the idea of something having vanished or become obsolete, echoing its origins in the concept of being 'quenched out' like a flame.
Further usage examples of extinct
1. The children's book explored why some animals are extinct today.
2. Many worry that print journalism is becoming an extinct medium.
3. Some extinct languages influence modern words and idioms.
4. The law protects endangered species from going extinct.
5. Zoos often educate visitors about extinct and endangered creatures.
6. Tech advances can make certain jobs extinct, altering industries.
7. In literature, themes never go extinct, only their presentation changes.
8. Most people can name at least one extinct dinosaur species.
9. Activists are striving to keep indigenous languages from going extinct.
10. Satellite TV is struggling, and some say it's becoming extinct.
11. The world lost unique ecosystems when these plants went extinct.
12. Scientists discovered an extinct fish species in ancient amber.
13. My grandma's typewriter reminds me that some tech is extinct.
14. Virtual reality games make old arcade games feel extinct.
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Fear and Ferocity, Disappearance and Loss, Elimination and Suspension, Ending and Conclusion, Ecological Diversity and Sustainability, Life Stages and Mortality, Absence and Lack
defunct
dead,deceased,departed,expired,exterminated,gone,lost,terminated,vanished
Synonyms for extinct
Quiz categories containing extinct
vanished, existing, thriving, alive
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