abortive
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.abor·tive
adjective \ə-ˈbȯr-tiv\Definition of ABORTIVE
1
obsolete : prematurely born
2
3
: imperfectly formed or developed
4
: tending to cut short
— abor·tive·ly adverb
— abor·tive·ness noun
See Examples of ABORTIVE
- <an abortive attempt to recover the sunken pirate ship>
First Known Use of ABORTIVE
14th century
Related to ABORTIVE
- Synonyms
- futile, barren, bootless, empty, fruitless, ineffective, ineffectual, inefficacious, otiose, profitless, unavailing, unproductive, unprofitable, unsuccessful, useless, vain
- Antonyms
- deadly, effective, effectual, efficacious, efficient, fruitful, potent, productive, profitable, successful, virtuous
Rhymes with ABORTIVE
abor·tive
adjective \ə-ˈbȯrt-iv\ (Medical Dictionary)Medical Definition of ABORTIVE
1
: imperfectly formed or developed : rudimentary
2
a : abortifacient b : cutting short <abortive treatment of pneumonia> c : failing to develop completely or typically <an abortive case of poliomyelitis>
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