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abortifacient

American  
[uh-bawr-tuh-fey-shuhnt] / əˌbɔr təˈfeɪ ʃənt /

adjective

  1. causing abortion.


noun

  1. a drug or device used to cause abortion.

    a biochemical abortifacient in pill form.

abortifacient British  
/ əˌbɔːtɪˈfeɪʃənt /

adjective

  1. causing abortion

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a drug or agent that causes abortion

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of abortifacient

First recorded in 1870–75; abort + -i- + -facient ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Studies of misoprostol’s efficacy as a solo abortifacient have returned varying results.

From Slate • Apr. 8, 2023

Another compound, ulipristal acetate, held similar promise as an emergency contraceptive and fibroid treatment without the baggage of abortifacient branding.

From The Verge • Jul. 23, 2022

In the late 1800s, the New York Times ran stories about abortions performed by Ann Trow Lohman, also known as Madame Restell, who served New York's elite and ran a lucrative mail-order abortifacient business.

From Salon • Jul. 19, 2022

She was writing to her lover, Henry Anderson Lafler, and relating to him — in real time — the effects of the drugstore-bought abortifacient that was now ending the pregnancy they had conceived together.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 19, 2021

A certain plant has a well-known reputation as an abortifacient.

From The Foundations of Japan Notes Made During Journeys Of 6,000 Miles In The Rural Districts As A Basis For A Sounder Knowledge Of The Japanese People by Scott, J.W. Robertson

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