Extinction \Ex*tinc"tion\, n. [L. extinctio, exstinction: cf. F. extinction.]

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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)