3 definitions found
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Abortive \A*bor"tive\, n.
1. That which is born or brought forth prematurely; an
abortion. [Obs.] --Shak.
2. A fruitless effort or issue. [Obs.]
3. A medicine to which is attributed the property of causing
abortion.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Abortive \A*bor"tive\, a. [L. abortivus fr aboriri See
{Abort}, v.]
1. Produced by abortion; born prematurely; as an abortive
child. [R.]
2. Made from the skin of a still-born animal; as abortive
vellum. [Obs.]
3. Rendering fruitless or ineffectual. [Obs.] ``Plunged in
that abortive gulf.'' --Milton.
4. Coming to naught; failing in its effect; miscarrying;
fruitless; unsuccessful; as an abortive attempt. ``An
abortive enterprise.'' --Prescott.
5. (Biol.) Imperfectly formed or developed; rudimentary;
sterile; as an abortive organ, stamen, ovule, etc
6. (Med.)
a Causing abortion; as abortive medicines. --Parr.
b Cutting short; as abortive treatment of typhoid
fever.
From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]:
abortive
adj : failing to accomplish an intended result; "an abortive
revolt"; "a stillborn plot to assassinate the
President" [syn: {stillborn}, {unsuccessful}]
more about abortive
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