abortuary

noun

abor·​tu·​ary ə-ˈbȯr-chə-ˌwer-ē How to pronounce abortuary (audio)
-chü-ˌer-
plural abortuaries
chiefly US, disparaging
: a place where abortions are performed
used as a term of contempt by opponents of abortion
In the 16 years since the Supreme Court's Roe vs. Wade decision, more than 20 million babies have perished in the abortuaries of this country.Jerry Falwell, USA Today, 10 Apr. 1989

Word History

Etymology

blend of abortion and mortuary entry 1

First Known Use

1983, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of abortuary was in 1983

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Dictionary Entries Near abortuary

Cite this Entry

“Abortuary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abortuary. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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