Emily Dickinson Lexicon

A-BORT'IVE, a.

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. – Encyc.
5. In botany, an abortive flower is one which falls without producing fruit. – Martyn.