The Clue
Some animals are close to it (10 letter answer)
The Answer
EXTINCTION
Tags
Notes
The answer EXTINCTION is so rare that it appears less than once every 2500 puzzles.
Definition
EXTINCTION as a noun:
1. (extinction, defunctness) = no longer in existence; "the extinction of a species"
2. no longer active; extinguished; "the extinction of the volcano"
3. the reduction of the intensity of radiation as a consequence of absorption and radiation
4. (extinction, extermination) = complete annihilation; "they think a meteor cause the extinction of the dinosaurs"
5. (extinction, experimental extinction) = a conditioning process in which the reinforcer is removed and a conditioned response becomes independent of the conditioned stimulus
6. (extinction, extinguishing, quenching) = the act of extinguishing; causing to stop burning; "the extinction of the lights"