adjective
extinct
ihk-STIHNGKT
adjective
1
No longer existing, especially referring to a species that has died out entirely.
"The dodo has been extinct since the 17th century."
"Many traditional crafts have become nearly extinct."
2
No longer active, especially referring to a volcano.
"Scientists believe the volcano has been extinct for centuries."
How to Use Extinct
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNo longer existing anywhere, or, for a volcano, no longer capable of erupting.
Common pairings
extinct species
become extinct
extinct volcano
Word Forms
extincted past tense, extinct past tense, extincts singular
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The dodo has been _____ since the 17th century.
Etymology
From Latin extīnctus, "put out, destroyed" — the past participle of extinguere, "to extinguish".