[əˈbɔːtɪv], (Adjective)

Definitions:
- failing to produce the intended result
(e.g: the rebel officers who led the abortive coup were shot)

- (of a virus infection) failing to produce symptoms

- causing or resulting in abortion
(e.g: abortive techniques)


Phrases:

Origin:
Middle English (as a noun denoting a stillborn child or animal): via Old French from Latin abortivus, from aboriri ‘miscarry’ (see abort)