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.
Imperfectly formed or developed; rudimentary; sterile; as, an abortive organ, stamen, ovule, etc.
6. 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 medication to which is attributed the property of causing abortion.
Source: Websters Vocabulary