n. Distinction by contrast. [ 1913 Webster ]

That there are such things as sins of infirmity in contradistinction to those of presumption is not to be questioned. South. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. distinctio: cf. F. distinction. ] 1. A marking off by visible signs; separation into parts; division. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

The distinction of tragedy into acts was not known. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The act of distinguishing or denoting the differences between objects, or the qualities by which one is known from others; exercise of discernment; discrimination. [ 1913 Webster ]

To take away therefore that error, which confusion breedeth, distinction is requisite. Hooker. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. That which distinguishes one thing from another; distinguishing quality; sharply defined difference; as, the distinction between real and apparent good. [ 1913 Webster ]

The distinction betwixt the animal kingdom and the inferior parts of matter. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Estimation of difference; regard to differences or distinguishing circumstance. [ 1913 Webster ]

Maids, women, wives, without distinction, fall. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. Conspicuous station; eminence; superiority; honorable estimation; as, a man of distinction. [ 1913 Webster ]

Your country's own means of distinction and defense. D. Webster.

Syn. -- Difference; variation, variety; contrast; diversity; contrariety; disagreement; discrimination; preference; superiority; rank; note; eminence. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. extinctio, exstinction: cf. F. extinction. ] 1. The act of extinguishing or making extinct; a putting an end to; the act of putting out or destroying light, fire, life, activity, influence, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. State of being extinguished or of ceasing to be; destruction; suppression; as, the extinction of life, of a family, of a quarrel, of claim. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Specifically: The ceasing to exist of a species of living organism, such as a plant or animal, whose numbers declined to the point where the last member of the species died and therefore no new members of the species could ever again be born. [ PJC ]

☞ Extinctions have occurred many times throughout the history of life on Earth, and abundant evidence of the prior existence of animals and plants are found as fossils in rock formations many millions of years old. It is believed by some that due to the influence of man on the environment and destruction of habitat, the rate of extinction of species is now higher than at any previous time on this planet. Extinctions of some animals in recent years have actually been reliably recorded, such as that of the dodo bird. A remarkable example of extinction is that of the passenger pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius) in North America, which once numbered in the billions, and the last living member of which species was recorded as dying in captivity in 1914. [ PJC ]

n. [ Cf. F. indistinction. ] Lack of distinction or distinguishableness; confusion; uncertainty; indiscrimination. [ 1913 Webster ]

The indistinction of many of the same name . . . hath made some doubt. Sir T. Browne. [ 1913 Webster ]

An indistinction of all persons, or equality of all orders, is far from being agreeable to the will of God. Sprat. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Instinct; incitement; inspiration. [ Obs. ] Sir T. Elyot. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. intinctio, fr. intingere to dip in; pref. in- in + tingere to tinge. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. The act of tingeing or dyeing. Blount. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Eccl.) A method or practice of the administration of the sacrament by dipping the bread or wafer in the wine and administering both together. [ 1913 Webster ]

n.[ L. restinctio. See Restinguish. ] Act of quenching or extingishing. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]