definition of the word abortiveby the Wiktionnary
Latin abortivus, from aboriri. See abort, (verb)
abortive (comparative more abortive, superlative most abortive)
- (rare) Produced by abortion; born prematurely; as, an abortive child.
- (obsolete) Made from the skin of a still-born animal; as, abortive vellum.
- (obsolete) Rendering fruitless or ineffectual.
- Quotations
- Plunged in that abortive gulf. Milton
- Coming to naught; failing in its effect; miscarrying; fruitless; unsuccessful; as, an abortive attempt.
- Quotations
- (biology) Imperfectly formed or developed; rudimentary; sterile; as, an abortive organ, stamen, ovule, etc.
- (medicine) Causing abortion; as, abortive medicines. - Parr
- (medicine) Cutting short; as, abortive treatment of typhoid fever.
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