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Webster 1913 Edition
Abortive
A-bor′tive
,Noun.
1.
That which is born or brought forth prematurely; an abortion.
[Obs.]
Shak.
2.
A fruitless effort or issue.
[Obs.]
Webster 1828 Edition
Abortive
ABOR'TIVE
,Adj.
1.
Brought forth in an immature state; failing, or coming to naught, before it is complete.2.
Failing in its effect; miscarrying; producing nothing; as an abortive scheme.3.
Rendering abortive; as abortive gulf, in Milton, but not legitimate.4.
Pertaining to abortion; as abortive vellum, made of the skin of an abortive calf.5.
In botany, an abortive flower is one which falls without producing fruit.ABOR'TIVE
,Noun.