Neutral

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈnjuːtɹəl/
• US IPA: /ˈnutɹəl/

Origin

From Middle French neutral (French: neutre), from Latin neutralis.

Full definition of neutral

Adjective

1. Not taking sides in a conflict such as war; nonaligned.
2. Favouring neither the supporting nor opposing viewpoint of a topic of debate; unbiased.
   I am neutral regarding the issue of gay marriage.
• ShaftesburyThe heart can not possibly remain neutral, but constantly takes part one way or the other.
3. (grammar) Neither positive nor negative.
4. Neither beneficial nor harmful.
• Sir J. DaviesSome things good, and some things ill, do seem,
  And neutral some, in her fantastic eye.
• 2013, David Van Tassel, Lee DeHaan, Wild Plants to the Rescue, Plant breeding is always a numbers game....The wild species we use are rich in genetic variation, …. In addition, we are looking for rare alleles, so the more plants we try, the better. These rarities may be new mutations, or they can be existing ones that are neutral—or are even selected against—in a wild population. A good example is mutations that disrupt seed dispersal, leaving the seeds on the heads long after they are ripe.
5. (biology) Having no sex; neuter.
6. Having no obvious colour; gray
7. (physics) Neither positive nor negative; possessing no charge or equivalent positive and negative charge such that there is no imbalance.
8. (chemistry) Having a pH of 7, neither acidic nor alkaline.

Noun

1. A nonaligned state, or a member of such a state.
2. A person who takes no side in a dispute.
3. An individual or entity serving as an arbitrator or adjudicator (jargon
   legal).
4. A neutral hue.
5. The position of a set of gears in which power cannot be transmitted to the drive mechanism.
6. An electrical terminal or conductor which has zero or close to zero voltage with respect to the ground.

Anagrams

• unalter