Extinction Meaning and Definition
Extinction
Pronunciation
/ɛksˈtɪŋʃən/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
The process of a species or group of living organisms disappearing from the Earth, often as a result of habitat destruction, pollution, or other environmental factors.
Etymology
From Latin “exitio,” meaning “destruction” or “extinction.”
Usage Notes
Extinction often refers to the complete disappearance of a species, but it can also be used to describe the decline of a population or the loss of a particular characteristic.
Cultural References
Extinction has been featured prominently in popular media, including films such as “Extinction” (2018) and TV shows like “The Last Kingdom” (2015-2022).
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Extinction-level event” refers to a catastrophic event that could lead to the extinction of a species or humanity as a whole.
Related Words or Phrases
- Endangered
- Vulnerable
- Extirpation
Collocations
- Extinction event
- Mass extinction
- Species extinction
Frequency of Use
Extinction is a relatively rare word in everyday language, but its usage has increased in recent years due to growing concerns about climate change and species conservation.
Common Misspellings
- Extincion