Definitions for: Abortive

[adj] failing to accomplish an intended result; "an abortive revolt"; "a stillborn plot to assassinate the President"

Webster (1913) Definition: 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.

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.

Synonyms: stillborn, unfruitful, unsuccessful

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