abortive
/əˈbɔː.tɪv//əˈbɔɹ.tɪv/
noun
- 1
That which is born or brought forth prematurely; an abortion.
- 2
A fruitless effort or issue.
- 3
A medicine to which is attributed the property of causing abortion, abortifacient.
verb
- 1
To cause an abortion; to render without fruit.
adjective
- 1
Produced by abortion; born prematurely and therefore unnatural.
“an abortive child”
- 2
Coming to nothing; failing in its effect; miscarrying; fruitless; unsuccessful.
“an abortive attempt”
- 3
Imperfectly formed or developed; rudimentary; sterile.
“an abortive organ”
- 4
(pharmaceutical effect) Causing abortion; abortifacient
“abortive medicines”
- 5
Cutting short; acting to halt or slow the progress (of a disease).
“abortive treatment of typhoid fever”
- 6
Made from the skin of a still-born animal.
“abortive vellum”
Translate “abortive” to another language
Click any language to open the translator with this word already filled in.