Main Entry: abor·tion

Pronunciation: \ə-ˈbȯr-shən\

Function: noun

Date: 1547

1 : the termination of a pregnancy after, accompanied by, resulting in, or closely followed by the death of the embryo or fetus: as a : spontaneous expulsion of a human fetus during the first 12 weeks of gestation — compare miscarriage b : induced expulsion of a human fetus c : expulsion of a fetus by a domestic animal often due to infection at any time before completion of pregnancy — compare contagious abortion
2 : monstrosity
3 : arrest of development (as of a part or process) resulting in imperfection; also : a result of such arrest