extinction Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun no longer active; extinguished
    • the extinction of the volcano
  2. noun no longer in existence
    defunctness.
    • the extinction of a species
  3. noun the reduction of the intensity of radiation as a consequence of absorption and radiation
  4. noun complete annihilation
    extermination.
    • they think a meteor cause the extinction of the dinosaurs
  5. noun a conditioning process in which the reinforcer is removed and a conditioned response becomes independent of the conditioned stimulus
    experimental extinction.
  6. noun the act of extinguishing; causing to stop burning
    quenching; extinguishing.
    • the extinction of the lights

WordNet

Ex*tinc"tion noun
Etymology
L. extinctio, exstinction: cf. F. extinction.
Definitions
  1. The act of extinguishing or making extinct; a putting an end to; the act of putting out or destroying light, fire, life, activity, influence, etc.
  2. State of being extinguished or of ceasing to be; destruction; suppression; as, the extinction of life, of a family, of a quarrel, of claim.

Webster 1913