abortion (definition)

abortion

noun  abor·tion \ə-ˈbȯr-shən\

Simple Definition of abortion

: a medical procedure used to end a pregnancy and cause the death of the fetus

Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary

Full Definition of abortion

1:  the termination of a pregnancy after, accompanied by, resulting in, or closely followed by the death of the embryo or fetus: as

a :  spontaneous expulsion of a human fetus during the first 12 weeks of gestation — compare miscarriage

b :  induced expulsion of a human fetus

c :  expulsion of a fetus by a domestic animal often due to infection at any time before completion of pregnancy — compare contagious abortion

2:  monstrosity

3:  arrest of development (as of a part or process) resulting in imperfection; also :  a result of such arrest

Source: Merriam-Webster
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abortion