abortive
adjective
1. failing to accomplish an intended result
- an abortive revolt
Similar word(s): unfruitful, stillborn, unsuccessful
Sentences with abortive as an adjective:
- an abortive child
- an abortive attempt
- an abortive organ
- an abortive stamen
- an abortive ovule
- abortive medicines
- abortive treatment of typhoid fever
- abortive vellum
noun
1. (obsolete) That which is born or brought forth prematurely; an abortion. [Attested from around (1150 to 1350) until the mid 18th century.]
2. (obsolete) A fruitless effort or issue. [Attested from the early 17th century until the early 18th century.]
3. (obsolete) A medicine to which is attributed the property of causing abortion, abortifacient.
verb
1. (transitive, obsolete) To cause an abortion; to render without fruit. [Attested only in the 17th century.]