abortifacient

noun

abor·​ti·​fa·​cient ə-ˌbȯr-tə-ˈfā-shənt 

: an agent (such as a drug) that induces abortion

abortifacient adjective

Examples of abortifacient in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As a result, knowledge of the peacock flower’s abortifacient properties remained rooted in Caribbean communities rather than becoming incorporated into European botanical and medical traditions. — Kari Traylor, JSTOR Daily, 29 July 2026

But this drug can be seen as an abortifacient, so some doctors in restrictive states might opt to remove the patient’s fallopian tube instead, according to Osmundson, which could impair her future fertility. — Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 22 Aug. 2025

At the drugstore, Oberholtzer didn't buy cosmetics but a box of mercury bichloride tablets — a powerful toxin sometimes used to treat infections and sometimes used as an abortifacient. — Indianapolis Star, IndyStar, 2 July 2025

Some religious and policy leaders also wrongfully assert that IUDs are abortifacients, which has led to resistance to clinics offering them. — Yasmine Salam, NBC News, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin abortifacient-, abortifaciens, from Latin abortus "miscarriage, abortion" (from aborīrī "to pass away, (of a fetus) miscarry, be aborted" + -tus, suffix of verbal action) + -i- -i- + -facient-, -faciens -facient — more at abort entry 1

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for abortifacient

• impatient
• inpatient
• outpatient
• patient

Medical Definition

abortifacient

1 of 2 adjective

abor·​ti·​fa·​cient ə-ˌbȯrt-ə-ˈfā-shənt 

: inducing abortion

abortifacient

2 of 2 noun

: an agent (as a drug) that induces abortion