I. ˈnü-trəl, ˈnyü- noun
Date: 15th century
1. : one that is neutral
2. : a neutral color
3. : a position of disengagement (as of gears)
II. adjective
Etymology: Middle English neuterall mutually neutralizing, from Medieval Latin * neutralis, back-formation from neutralitas middle ground, from Latin neutralis neuter, from neutr-, neuter
Date: 1549
1. : not engaged on either side ; specifically : not aligned with a political or ideological grouping
a neutral nation
2. : of or relating to a neutral state or power
neutral territory
3.
a. : not decided or pronounced as to characteristics : indifferent
b.
(1) : achromatic
(2) : nearly achromatic
c.
(1) : neuter 3
(2) : lacking stamens or pistils
d. : neither acid nor basic
e. : not electrically charged
4. : produced with the tongue in the position it has when at rest
the neutral vowels of ə-ˈbəv above
• neu·tral·ly -trə-lē adverb
• neu·tral·ness noun