abortive

[In Fr. abort if; Sp. and Ital. abortivo; Lat. abortivus = born prematurely.] [ABORTION.] 1. Brought forth in an immature state, fading before it reaches perfection. "If ever he have child, abortive be it, Prodigious and untimely brought to light." Shakesp. Richard III ., 1. 2. 2. Fruitle , ineffectual, failing in its effect; like a crude and unwise project. "To their wisdom Europe and America have owed scores of abortive constitutions."-Macaulay: Hist. Eng . , ch. xi. 3. Biol .: An abortive organ is one wanting some e ential part, or which never comes to maturity. An abortive stamen generally wants the anther and pollen; an abortive petal is generally a mere bristle or scale; and an abortive ovule never developes into a seed, but shrinks away. 4. Pertaining to abortion. Thus, "Abortive potions are potions designed to produce abortion." + Abortive vellum is vellum made of the skin of an abortive calf. *5. Rendering abortive. "Plunged in that abortive gulf."