endangered species

/ ĕn-dān′jərd /

A plant or animal species existing in such small numbers that it is in danger of becoming extinct, especially such a species placed in jeopardy as a result of human activity. One of the principal factors in the endangerment or extinction of a species is the destruction or pollution of its native habitat. Other factors include overhunting, intentional extermination, and the accidental or intentional introduction of alien species that outcompete the native species for environmental resources.

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Idioms and Phrases

A group threatened with extinction or destruction. For example, Workers willing to put in overtime without extra pay are an endangered species , or With the new budget cuts, public television has become an endangered species . This expression, originally referring to species of plants or animals in danger of dying out, began in the 1980s to be extended to anything or anyone becoming rare.

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Example Sentences

In a new Republican administration, the EPA might well become an endangered species.

From The Daily Beast

Which brings us to our second question: Why is the Romantic Comedy becoming such an endangered species?

From The Daily Beast

Now the Endangered Species Act (which passed the House 355-4 in 1973) enshrines a national commitment to biodiversity.

From The Daily Beast

Controversy over endangered species increases, and the federal government becomes a target of ire.

From The Daily Beast

He will expand his work in the field of conservation, particularly in respect of endangered species.

From The Daily Beast

The Endangered Species Act of 1973 added federal protection in 1974.

From Project Gutenberg

The wolf: the ecology and behavior of an endangered species.

From Project Gutenberg

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April 18, 2024petrichor

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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