Abortive

noun

/əˈbɔː.tɪv/

Word Frequency: 1.4

Definitions

1.nounThat which is born or brought forth prematurely; an abortion.

2.nounA fruitless effort or issue.

3.nounA medicine to which is attributed the property of causing abortion, abortifacient.

4.verbTo cause an abortion; to render without fruit.

5.adjectiveProduced by abortion; born prematurely and therefore unnatural.

"an abortive child"

6.adjectiveComing to nothing; failing in its effect; miscarrying; fruitless; unsuccessful.

"an abortive attempt"

7.adjectiveImperfectly formed or developed; rudimentary; sterile.

"an abortive organ"

8.adjective(pharmaceutical effect) Causing abortion; abortifacient

"abortive medicines"

9.adjectiveCutting short; acting to halt or slow the progress (of a disease).

"abortive treatment of typhoid fever"

10.adjectiveMade from the skin of a still-born animal.

"abortive vellum"