extinction
noun [ U ] uk/ɪkˈstɪŋk.ʃən/ us/ɪkˈstɪŋk.ʃən/
C1 灭绝;绝种
a situation in which something no longer exists
The extinction of the dinosaurs occurred millions of years ago. 恐龙灭绝于数百万年前。
Many species of plants and animals are in danger of/threatened with extinction (= being destroyed so that they no longer exist). 多种动植物濒临灭绝的危险。
Some people predict the extinction of family life as we know it today. 一些人预言我们现在熟知的家庭生活方式将会消亡。