extinct

English

Etymology

Recorded since 1432; from Latin extinctus, the past participle of extinguere (to put out, destroy, abolish, extinguish), corresponding to ex- + stinguere (to quench)

Pronunciation

  • IPA: /ɪkˈstɪŋkt/, /ɛkˈstɪŋkt/; X-SAMPA: /Ik"stINkt/, /Ek"stINkt/
    Rhymes: -ɪŋkt

Adjective

extinct (comparative more extinct, superlative most extinct)

  1. (dated) Extinguished, no longer alight (of fire, candles etc.)
    Poor Edward's cigarillo was already extinct.
  2. No longer used; obsolete, discontinued.
    Luckily, such ideas about race are extinct in current sociological theory.
  3. No longer in existence; having died out.
    The dinosaurs have been extinct for millions of years.
  4. (volcanology) No longer actively erupting.
    Most of the volcanos on this island are now extinct.

Synonyms

  • (volcanology: no longer erupting): dormant

Antonyms

  • (no longer alight): burning
  • (having died out): extant
  • (volcanology: no longer erupting): active

Related terms

Translations

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Last modified on 20 May 2013, at 21:28