abortion

 
Pronunciation: /əˈbɔːʃ(ə)n/

noun

  • 1 [mass noun] the deliberate termination of a human pregnancy, most often performed during the first 28 weeks: concerns such as abortion and euthanasia [count noun]: illegal abortions
  • the expulsion of a fetus from the womb by natural causes before it is able to survive independently.
  • Biology the arrest of the development of a seed, fruit, or other organ.
  • 2an object or undertaking that is unpleasant or badly made or carried out.

Origin:

mid 16th century: from Latin abortio(n-), from aboriri 'miscarry' (see abort)