Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

abortifacient
A medication or substance that
causes pregnancy to end prematurely.
abortion
Premature exit of the products of the
fetus, fetal membranes, and placenta from the
uterus. Abortion can be a natural process, as in a
miscarriage; an induced procedure, using medica-
tion or other substances that cause the body to
expel the fetus; or a surgical procedure that
removes the contents of the uterus. See also 
dila-
tion and curettage.
abortion, habitual
The miscarriage of three or
more consecutive pregnancies with no intervening
pregnancies. Habitual abortion is a form of infertil-
ity. Also known as recurrent abortion and multiple
abortion.
abortion, multiple
See 
abortion, habitual.
abortion, recurrent
See 
abortion, habitual.
abortion, spontaneous
Miscarriage.
abortive
Tending to cut short the course of a dis-
ease, as in abortive polio (polio cut short).
abortive polio
A minor, abbreviated form of
infection with the polio virus. Full recovery occurs
in 24 to 72 hours, and the condition does not
involve the nervous system or permanent disabili-
ties. See also 
polio.
ABP
American Board of Pediatrics, a professional
organization for physicians who treat infants, chil-
dren, adolescents, and young adults.
abrasion 1
A wearing away of the upper layer of
skin as a result of applied friction force. See also
scrape.
2
In dentistry, the wearing away of a tooth
surface.
abruptio placentae
Premature separation
(abruption) of the placenta from the wall of the
uterus, often in association with high blood pres-
sure or preeclampsia. Abruption is a potentially
serious problem both for mother and fetus because
the area where it occurs bleeds and the uterus
begins to contract. Shock may result. See also 
pla-
centa; preeclampsia.