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Abortive

1. Produced by abortion; born prematurely; as, an abortive child.

2. Made from the skin of a still-born animal; as, abortive vellum.

3. Rendering fruitless or ineffectual. Plunged in that abortive gulf.

4. Coming to naught; failing in its effect; miscarrying; fruitless; unsuccessful; as, an abortive attempt. An abortive enterprise.

5. (Science: biology) Imperfectly formed or developed; rudimentary; sterile; as, an abortive organ, stamen, ovule, etc.

6. (Science: medicine) Causing abortion; as, abortive medicines. Cutting short; as, abortive treatment of typhoid fever.

Origin: L. Abortivus, fr. Aboriri. See Abort.

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.