Extinctive
Adjective
Definition: Tending or serving to extinguish or make extinct.
Synonyms: Extinguishing, Eliminating, Eradicating
Antonyms: Preserving, Safeguarding, Perpetuating
Examples:
- The use of pesticides was extinctive for the pest population.
- The introduction of invasive species can be extinctive for native flora and fauna.
Mnemonics:
- Think of "extinctive" as something that leads to extinction.
Etymology:
Origin:
The word "extinctive" is derived from the verb "extinguish" and the suffix "-ive," which is used to form adjectives expressing the tendency or ability to perform a certain action.
Historical Usage:The term "extinctive" has been used in scientific or technical contexts to describe the process or effect of making something extinct.