| 释义 |
abort·ive
I. \əˈbȯr]d.iv, -ȯ(ə)], ]tiv, -ēv\ adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin abortivus, from abortus (past participle) + -ivus -ive
1. obsolete : prematurely born
2. : failing of purpose or effect : miscarrying, unsuccessful
< an abortive enterprise >
3. : imperfectly formed or developed : rudimentary
4.
a. : abortifacient
b. : cutting short
< abortive treatment of pneumonia >
c. : failing to develop completely or typically
< an abortive case of poliomyelitis >
• abort·ive·ly \-ə̇vlē, -li\ adverb
• abortiveness \-ivnə̇s, -ēv-\ noun
II. noun
(-s)
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin abortivus, adjective
: one that is abortive (as a bombing mission) |