abortion

abor·tion

noun \ə-ˈbȯr-shən\

Definition of ABORTION

1

: the termination of a pregnancy after, accompanied by, resulting in, or closely followed by the death of the embryo or fetus: as a : spontaneous expulsion of a human fetus during the first 12 weeks of gestation — compare miscarriage b : induced expulsion of a human fetus c : expulsion of a fetus by a domestic animal often due to infection at any time before completion of pregnancy — compare contagious abortion

2

: monstrosity

3

: arrest of development (as of a part or process) resulting in imperfection; also : a result of such arrest

Examples of ABORTION

1. a doctor who performs abortions
2. She chose to have an abortion.

First Known Use of ABORTION

1547

Related to ABORTION

Synonyms: abandonment, cancellation, calling, calling off, dropping, recall, recision, repeal, rescission, revocation

Antonyms: continuation

Related Words: annulment, invalidation, neutralization, nullification, voidance; abolishment, abolition, ending, halting, stopping, termination; giving up, relinquishment, surrender; reversal, rollback

Near Antonyms: beginning, commencement, initiation; engagement, undertaking

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Other Embryology Terms

gravid, neonate, ontogeny, parturition

Rhymes with ABORTION

apportion, contortion, distortion, extortion, proportion