Extant

Extant describes something that still exists; not destroyed, lost, or extinct. It refers to the survival of something into the present day, whether it's a physical object, a written document, a species of animal, or a cultural practice. The term implies a degree of preservation and continued existence, highlighting the contrast with things that have vanished or ceased to be.

Extant meaning with examples

• Despite the ravages of time and numerous fires, several copies of the Gutenberg Bible remain Extant, providing invaluable insights into the early days of printing and the spread of knowledge. The painstaking preservation efforts are ongoing to secure the remaining copies.
• The only Extant specimens of the dodo bird are preserved skeletons and written accounts, as the species vanished in the 17th century due to human activity and are no longer alive to observe.
• The original building that the business was founded in remains Extant in town after over 200 years, though it has been renovated and modified several times in order to support changing building codes and usages.
• While much of the original artwork was destroyed in the fire, a few of the artist's early sketches are Extant, offering a rare glimpse into the development of his iconic style and creative process.