Abortion
1. (Science: obstetrics) The premature expulsion from the uterus of the products of conception of the embryo or of a nonviable foetus. The four classic symptoms, usually present in each type of abortion, are uterine contractions, uterine haemorrhage, softening and dilatation of the cervix and presentation or expulsion of all or part of the products of conception.
The expulsion or removal of an embryo or foetus from the mother prematurely, this can be done as an artificial procedure, but it often happens naturally when the mothers body expels the foetus because it has died, has genetic or developmental defects, or because of infection or illness in the mother. Natural abortions are typically called miscarriages. Medically-induced abortions, which can be completed with surgery or with hormone drugs, are performed because the foetus is unwanted, deformed, not likely to live, or endangers the mothers life or health.
2. The premature stoppage of a natural or a pathological process.
Origin: L. Abortio
termination of pregnancy.Spontaneous (naturally occurring) or artificially induced expulsion of a foetus before natural live birth can occur.
Dictionary > Abortion
You will also like...
Population Regulation in an Ecosystem
With regard to the population size of a species and what factors may affect them, two factors have been defined. They ar..
Insects
There are more species of insects than any other species combined. This surely illustrates that insects have the selecti..
Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes
Learn about the general structure of a eukaryotic gene, the transcription factors, and post-transcriptional regulation....
The Dinosaurs
Dinosaurs represented a major turn in the evolutionary development of organisms on Earth. The first dinosaurs were presu..
Human Reproduction
Humans are capable of only one mode of reproduction, i.e. sexual reproduction. Haploid sex cells (gametes) are produced ..
Genetic Engineering Advantages & Disadvantages
This tutorial presents the benefits and the possible adverse eventualities of genetic engineering. Know more about this ..