adj. & n.
--adj.
1. not helping or supporting either of two opposing sides, esp. States at war or in dispute; impartial.
2 belonging to a neutral party, State, etc. (neutral ships).
3 indistinct, vague, indeterminate.
4 (of a gear) in which the engine is disconnected from the driven parts.
5 (of colours) not strong or positive; grey or beige.
6 Chem. neither acid nor alkaline.
7 Electr. neither positive nor negative.
8 Biol. sexually undeveloped; asexual.
--n.
1. a a neutral State or person. b a subject of a neutral State.
2 a neutral gear.
Derivatives:
neutrality n. neutrally adv.
Etymology: ME f. obs. F neutral or L neutralis of neuter gender (as NEUTER)