avorton

runt

noun ah-vor-TOH Rare

Origin: From Old French 'avorter' (to abort), itself from Latin 'abortare'.

Also means

puny creature

Usage Note

Avorton originally denoted a prematurely born or underdeveloped animal, especially the smallest and weakest in a litter. In everyday speech it is now mostly a derogatory term for a small, stunted person, and carries a strongly offensive tone — learners should use it with great caution or avoid it altogether.

Examples

"Le chiot, avorton de la portée, survécut."

Natural Translation

The puppy, runt of the litter, survived.

Related Words

Explore French by topic

FrenchNow

Tu vs Vous: When to Use Each in French

Tu vs vous in French: use tu for one friend, family, or child, and vous for strangers, elders, your boss, and any group. A clear etiquette guide.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

French Liaison Rules: When to Link Words (and Not To)

French liaison links a silent final consonant to the next vowel. Learn the obligatory, forbidden, and optional rules, plus the s→z and d→t sound shifts.

June 4, 2026 5 min read

FrenchNow

How to Pronounce the French R (Step by Step)

The French R is a back-of-the-throat sound, not a rolled R. Learn the exact tongue position and a step-by-step drill to build it from sounds you already make.

June 4, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

Telling Time in French: Hours, Quarters, 24-Hour

Telling time in French means Il est cinq heures, et quart, et demie, and the 24-hour clock like quatorze heures trente. Read any French schedule.

June 4, 2026 5 min read