extinction

1. N-UNCOUNT The extinction of a species of animal or plant is the death of all its remaining living members. (物种的) 灭绝

An operation is beginning to try to save a species of crocodile from extinction. 一项行动正在展开来拯救一个鳄鱼种类使其免遭灭绝。

2. N-UNCOUNT If someone refers to the extinction of a way of life or type of activity, they mean that the way of life or activity stops existing. (生活方式、活动的) 消亡

The loggers say their jobs are faced with extinction because of declining timber sales. 樵夫们说他们的工作因不断下降的木材销售而面临消亡。