mass extinction; extinction event
Refers to a widespread and rapid decrease in biodiversity on Earth, such as the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event. Often used in scientific or educational contexts.
See also: 大量絶滅
The extinction of the dinosaurs is one example of a mass extinction about 66 million years ago.
Many scientists now warn that a sixth mass extinction is underway.
Compound of 大 (だい, 'great') + 絶滅 (ぜつめつ, 'extinction'). The reading たい for 大 is a variant used in some compounds.