Extinct
/ɪkˈstɪŋkt/
Definitions
2 meaningsNo longer existing or living; no longer in use or activity.
/ɪkˈstɪŋkt/
No longer in existence.
The dinosaurs are extinct.
💡 Simply: Imagine a dinosaur. Now, imagine that all the dinosaurs are gone – they're not around anymore. That's extinct! It means something used to be here, but it isn't any longer.
👶 For kids: When something is gone forever, like the dinosaurs. They're extinct!
More Examples
The volcano is considered extinct.
The custom is now extinct.
How It's Used
"The dodo bird is an extinct species."
"Several languages are now extinct."
Of a volcano: having ceased activity.
/ɪkˈstɪŋkt/
The volcano on that island is officially extinct.
💡 Simply: Imagine a volcano that used to blow up with fire and lava. If the volcano hasn't erupted in a really, really long time, and scientists think it won't erupt again, it’s considered extinct.
👶 For kids: A volcano that doesn't blow up anymore!
More Examples
No signs of volcanic activity have been observed; the mountain is presumed extinct.
Over many years, the volcano became extinct.
How It's Used
"That volcano is now extinct."
From Latin *exstinctus* (past participle of *exstinguere* 'to extinguish, put out, abolish'), meaning 'quenched, abolished, extinguished'.
The word 'extinct' has been used since the late 16th century to describe things that have died out or ceased to exist.
Memory tip
Think of a fire that has been extinguished - it no longer exists.
Word Origin
"extinguished, destroyed"