<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>the removal of an embryo or fetus from the uterus in order to end a pregnancy.</li><li>any of various surgical methods for terminating a pregnancy, especially during the first six months.</li><li>a miscarriage (def 1).</li><li>an immature and nonviable fetus.</li><li>abortus (def 2).</li><li>any malformed or monstrous person, thing, etc.</li><li>Biology. the arrested development of an embryo or an organ at a more or less early stage.</li><li>the stopping of an illness, infection, etc., at a very early stage.</li><li>Informal. shambles; mess.</li><li>anything that fails to develop, progress, or mature, as a design or project.</li></ul>