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: monstrosity3: arrest of development (as of a part or process) resulting in imperfection ; also : a result of such arrest