1. adj.1 tidy and methodical.
2 elegantly simple in form etc.; well-proportioned.
3 (of language, style, etc.) brief, clear, and pointed; epigrammatic.
4 a cleverly executed (a neat piece of work). b deft; dextrous.
5 (of esp. alcoholic liquor) undiluted.
6 US sl. (as a general term of approval) good, pleasing, excellent.
Derivatives:
neatly adv. neatness n.
Etymology: F net f. L nitidus shining f. nitere shine 2. n. archaic 1 a bovine animal.
2 (as pl.) cattle.
Phrases and idioms:
neat's-foot oil oil made from boiled cow-heel and used to dress leather.
Etymology: OE neat f. Gmc