abortive

/əˈbɔɹ.tɪv/

UK: /əˈbɔː.tɪv/

ƏBƆɹ · tɪv (2 syllables)

English Adj

Definition

Produced by abortion; born prematurely and therefore unnatural.

Etymology

First attested in 1382, with the meaning "causing stillbirth or miscarriage". From Middle English abortif, from Old French abortif, from Latin abortīvus (“causing abortion”), from aborior (“miscarry, disappear”), from ab (“amiss”) + orior (“appear, be born, arise”).

Example Sentences

"an abortive child"
"Thou elvish-marked, abortive, rooting hog!"
"an abortive attempt"