Extinction

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Extinction

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun

Pronunciation

ik-STINK-shun  /ɪkˈstɪŋkʃ(ə)n/

Definition

The state or process of a species, language, or other group dying out completely; the complete end of something.

Plain meaning

The complete dying out of a species or group — the process by which something goes from existing to never existing again.

Register

Formal in scientific use. Increasingly urgent in public discourse around climate and biodiversity.