Extinction: meaning, definitions and examples

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extinction

[ɪkˈstɪŋkʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in biology

The state or process of a species, family, or larger group being or becoming extinct.

Synonyms

annihilation, eradication, extermination.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
extinction	Used to describe the permanent loss of a species or a way of life. Often seen in discussions about endangered species or cultural practices. The extinction of the dinosaurs occurred around 65 million years ago. Efforts are being made to prevent the extinction of the Amur leopard.
annihilation	Implies complete destruction, especially in a dramatic or intense context. Often used in science fiction, warfare, or catastrophic events. The asteroid's impact led to the annihilation of the prehistoric ecosystem. The two armies met for a battle that would result in the complete annihilation of one side.
extermination	Used to indicate the complete destruction of pests or other unwanted elements. Often has a negative connotation when referring to people or large-scale killings. Exterminators were called to deal with the rat infestation. The dark period in history was marked by the extermination of millions during the genocide.
eradication	Refers to the complete removal or destruction of something, often a disease or harmful practice. Generally used in public health, agriculture, or social improvements. Smallpox was the first disease to be completely eradicated by vaccines. The government launched a campaign for the eradication of poverty.

Examples of usage

Many species are facing extinction due to habitat destruction.
The extinction of dinosaurs occurred millions of years ago.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in ecology

The complete loss of a species within a specific ecosystem.

Synonyms

elimination, extirpation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
extinction	Primarily used in the context of species or biological groups disappearing permanently. It can also be used metaphorically for things that completely disappear over time. The extinction of the dodo bird was caused by human activity. Many fear the extinction of certain traditional languages.
elimination	Used when referring to the removal of something, such as an option, a threat, or even competitors in a competition context. It can imply a more purposeful and targeted action. The elimination of harmful chemicals from the product was necessary for safety. The team faced elimination after losing three consecutive matches.
extirpation	Typically used in more formal or scientific contexts and refers to the complete removal or destruction of something, especially in a surgical or botanical sense. The extirpation of the tumor was successfully completed. The conservation team worked on the extirpation of invasive plants from the ecosystem.

Word

Description / Examples

extinction

Primarily used in the context of species or biological groups disappearing permanently. It can also be used metaphorically for things that completely disappear over time.

The extinction of the dodo bird was caused by human activity.
Many fear the extinction of certain traditional languages.

elimination

Used when referring to the removal of something, such as an option, a threat, or even competitors in a competition context. It can imply a more purposeful and targeted action.

The elimination of harmful chemicals from the product was necessary for safety.
The team faced elimination after losing three consecutive matches.

extirpation

Typically used in more formal or scientific contexts and refers to the complete removal or destruction of something, especially in a surgical or botanical sense.

The extirpation of the tumor was successfully completed.
The conservation team worked on the extirpation of invasive plants from the ecosystem.

Examples of usage

The extinction of a predator can have cascading effects on the entire ecosystem.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

in general

The act of extinguishing or putting an end to something.

Synonyms

extinguishment, termination.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
extinction	Extinction is typically used in natural or biological contexts to describe the complete disappearance of a species, group, or phenomenon. It often carries a sense of irreversibility and finality. The extinction of the dinosaurs occurred millions of years ago. Conservation efforts are critical to prevent the extinction of endangered species.
extinguishment	Extinguishment is often used in legal or technical contexts to refer to the cancellation or invalidation of rights, claims, or debts. It suggests a process of rendering something null and void. The extinguishment of the debt provided the company with financial relief. The law allowed for the extinguishment of certain historical land claims.
termination	Termination is commonly used in various contexts, such as employment, contracts, or processes, to denote the end or conclusion of something. It may have a neutral or negative connotation depending on the situation. The employee received notice of the termination of their contract. Termination of the project will occur if funding is not secured.

Word

Description / Examples

extinction

Extinction is typically used in natural or biological contexts to describe the complete disappearance of a species, group, or phenomenon. It often carries a sense of irreversibility and finality.

The extinction of the dinosaurs occurred millions of years ago.
Conservation efforts are critical to prevent the extinction of endangered species.

extinguishment

Extinguishment is often used in legal or technical contexts to refer to the cancellation or invalidation of rights, claims, or debts. It suggests a process of rendering something null and void.

The extinguishment of the debt provided the company with financial relief.
The law allowed for the extinguishment of certain historical land claims.

termination

Termination is commonly used in various contexts, such as employment, contracts, or processes, to denote the end or conclusion of something. It may have a neutral or negative connotation depending on the situation.

The employee received notice of the termination of their contract.
Termination of the project will occur if funding is not secured.

Examples of usage

The extinction of a fire requires the use of water or extinguishing agents.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'extinction' comes from the Latin 'extinctus,' meaning 'to put out, quench, or extinguish.'
It became popular in the 19th century as scientists began studying the disappearance of species.
The prefix 'ex-' means 'out of,' while 'stinct' is related to 'stinguere,' meaning 'to quench.'

Cultural Impact

Many stories, like 'Jurassic Park,' explore themes surrounding the consequences of extinct species being brought back.
Art and literature often reflect humanity's fears and hopes about extinction, such as in poetry about vanishing landscapes.
Awareness about extinction has led to global movements like Earth Day, emphasizing the need for conservation.

Biodiversity Science

More than 99% of all species that have ever lived are now extinct, showing how common it is in Earth's history.
The 'sixth mass extinction' is currently occurring, driven largely by human activities, including habitat loss and pollution.
Conservation efforts often focus on protecting endangered species to prevent their extinction.

Ecology

Extinctions can disrupt entire ecosystems, as the loss of one species can affect many others that depend on it.
Keystone species, which play a critical role in their environment, can cause greater ecological instability when they go extinct.
Genetic diversity in species is crucial; the more diverse, the better they can adapt to changes and avoid extinction.

Historical Examples

The dodo was a flightless bird native to Mauritius, which became extinct in the late 17th century due to human activities.
Woolly mammoths vanished roughly 4,000 years ago, believed to be due to climate change and hunting by humans.
The passenger pigeon was once among the most abundant birds in North America but went extinct due to overhunting and habitat loss.

Translations

Translations of the word "extinction" in other languages:

🇵🇹 extinção

🇮🇳 विलुप्ति

🇩🇪 Aussterben

🇮🇩 kepunahan

🇺🇦 вимирання

🇵🇱 wyginięcie

🇯🇵 絶滅 (ぜつめつ)

🇫🇷 extinction

🇪🇸 extinción

🇹🇷 nesil tükenmesi

🇰🇷 멸종 (멸절)

🇸🇦 انقراض

🇨🇿 vyhynutí

🇸🇰 vyhynutie

🇨🇳 灭绝 (mièjué)

🇸🇮 izumrtje

🇮🇸 útdauði

🇰🇿 жойылу

🇬🇪 გაქრობა

🇦🇿 nəsli kəsilmə

🇲🇽 extinción

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,540 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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7537 stance
7538 sexuality
7539 deducted
7540 extinction
7541 analysed
7542 harvested
7543 mailed
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