Main Entry: abor·tion

Pronunciation: \ə-ˈbȯr-shən\

Function: noun

1 : the termination of a pregnancy after, accompanied by, resulting in, or closely followed by the death of the embryo or fetus: 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 of a domestic animal often due to infection at any time before completion of pregnancy—see contagious abortion, trichomoniasis b, vibrionic abortion
2 : arrest of development of an organ so that it remains imperfect or is absorbed
3 : the arrest of a disease in its earliest stage <abortion of a cold>