Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Abortive \A*bor"tive\, n.
   1. That which is born or brought forth prematurely; an
      abortion. [Obs.] --Shak.

   2. A fruitless effort or issue. [Obs.]

   3. A medicine to which is attributed the property of causing
      abortion.

Abortive \A*bor"tive\, a. [L. abortivus, fr. aboriri. See
   {Abort}, v.]
   1. Produced by abortion; born prematurely; as, an abortive
      child. [R.]

   2. Made from the skin of a still-born animal; as, abortive
      vellum. [Obs.]

   3. Rendering fruitless or ineffectual. [Obs.] ``Plunged in
      that abortive gulf.'' --Milton.

   4. Coming to naught; failing in its effect; miscarrying;
      fruitless; unsuccessful; as, an abortive attempt. ``An
      abortive enterprise.'' --Prescott.

   5. (Biol.) Imperfectly formed or developed; rudimentary;
      sterile; as, an abortive organ, stamen, ovule, etc.

   6. (Med.)
      (a) Causing abortion; as, abortive medicines. --Parr.
      (b) Cutting short; as, abortive treatment of typhoid
          fever.

Source : WordNet®

abortive
     adj : failing to accomplish an intended result; "an abortive
           revolt"; "a stillborn plot to assassinate the
           President" [syn: {stillborn}, {unsuccessful}]