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.
© Webster 1913.
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.
<-- now usu. abortifacient. -->
Dunglison.
© Webster 1913.