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abortive

/əˈbɔː.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"

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