extant

Everyday

1. (formal) Still existing today, especially something very old: the oldest extant painting. tree →
2. (science) Still living, not extinct: extant species. tree →

In the lessons

In science «extant» animals are still alive today, the opposite of «extinct»; in history old books or buildings that still exist are extant. Phrases: «extant species», «still extant».

Examples

• Only a few copies of the old book are extant. tree →
• The crocodile is an extant reptile, but the dinosaurs are extinct. tree →
• Is the castle wall still extant? tree →
• Scientists listed the extant species of bears. tree →
• The oldest extant letter is in the museum. tree →
• Most kinds of animal that ever lived are no longer extant. tree →
• We can trace them in Latin, Hebrew, and Arabic MSS., and a few are extant on Buddhist Stupas. tree →

Note

Formal and rare; in plain talk «still around» or «still alive». Trap: «extant» (still existing) and «extinct» (no longer existing) look alike but are opposites. Do not confuse with «extent» (size, amount).

In Jewish tradition

In science «extant» animals are still alive today, the opposite of «extinct»; in history old books or buildings that still exist are extant. Phrases: «extant species», «still extant».

Examples

• Six extant Hebrew editions of the "Sepher Yetzirah' were collected and printed at Lemberg in 1680. (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1893) tree →
• Six extant Hebrew editions of the " Sepher Yetzirah " were collected and printed at Lemberg in 1680. (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1893) tree →
• The "Sepher Yetzirah," or "Book of Formation," is perhaps the oldest philosophical treatise which is yet extant in the Hebrew language. (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1893) tree →

Note

Formal and rare; in plain talk «still around» or «still alive». Trap: «extant» (still existing) and «extinct» (no longer existing) look alike but are opposites. Do not confuse with «extent» (size, amount).