Main Entry: ¹abort

Pronunciation: \ə-ˈbȯrt\

Function: verb

Etymology: Latin abortus, past participle of aboriri to miscarry, from ab- + oriri to rise, be born — more at orient

Date: 1580

intransitive verb 1 : to bring forth stillborn, nonviable, or premature offspring
2 : to become checked in development so as to degenerate or remain rudimentary
3 : to terminate a procedure prematurely <the pilot decided to abort due to mechanical difficulties>transitive verb 1 a : to induce the abortion of or give birth to prematurely b : to terminate the pregnancy of before term
2 a : to terminate prematurely : cancel <abort a project> <abort a spaceflight> b : to stop in the early stages <abort a disease>

— abort·er noun