abortion

a·bor·tion Audio pronunciation of "abortion" ( P ) Pronunciation Key (-bôrshn) n. 1. 1. Termination of pregnancy and expulsion of an embryo or of a fetus that is incapable of survival. 2. Any of various procedures that result in such termination and expulsion. Also called induced abortion. 2. The premature expulsion of a nonviable fetus from the uterus; a miscarriage. 3. Cessation of normal growth, especially of an organ or other body part, prior to full development or maturation. 4. An aborted organism. 5. Something malformed or incompletely developed; a monstrosity.