Extinguishable: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word has roots in the Latin ‘extinguere’, meaning ‘to quench’ or ‘to put out’.
• It combines the prefix ‘ex-’ meaning ‘out’ and ‘stinguere’ meaning ‘to extinguish’.
• First known use in English dates back to the 14th century, often in the context of extinguishing a flame.

Science

• In environmental contexts, certain species are labeled as extinguishable if they have a high risk of extinction.
• A phenomenon in thermodynamics describes how many systems can reach a state that extinguishes previous forms of energy.
• In chemistry, certain compounds can extinguish flames when they react in a specific way.

Literature

• The concept of extinguishable elements often appears in dystopian literature, symbolizing loss and despair.
• In poetry, a flame is sometimes used as a metaphor for life or passion, with extinguishable meanings reflecting sudden loss.
• Famous works often explore the idea of extinguishable hope, where characters face seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Philosophy

• Philosophers discuss the extinguishable nature of human desires, suggesting that many aspirations are temporary.
• The extinction of species raises ethical questions about humanity's responsibility to prevent such losses.
• Discussions around identity revolve around whether certain aspects of self are extinguishable in the face of change.

Pop Culture

• Movies often depict heroes fighting against extinguishable evils, emphasizing the struggle between good and bad.
• In songs, flames symbolize love and passion, with lyrics sometimes mentioning how those feelings can be extinguishable.
• Video games frequently have mechanics around extinguishing fires or enemies, making the idea a tangible aspect of gameplay.

At position #42,139, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.

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• 42136 satanically
• 42137 destining
• 42138 nonobservant
• 42139 extinguishable
• 42140 sprightliest
• 42141 fating
• 42142 inconstantly
• ...