abortive Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite failing to accomplish an intended result
    stillborn; unsuccessful.
    • an abortive revolt
    • a stillborn plot to assassinate the President

WordNet

A*bor"tive adjective
Etymology
L. abortivus, fr. aboriri. See Abort, v.
Definitions
  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 noun
Definitions
  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. now usu. abortifacient. Dunglison.

Webster 1913