Main Entry: ²neat

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle French net, from Latin nitidus bright, neat, from nitēre to shine; probably akin to Middle Irish níam luster

Date: 1542

1 : free from dirt and disorder : habitually clean and orderly
2 a : free from admixture or dilution : straight <neat brandy> <neat cement> b : free from irregularity : smooth <neat silk>
3 : marked by tasteful simplicity <a neat outfit>
4 a : precise, systematic b : marked by skill or ingenuity : adroit
5 : net <neat profit>
6 : fine, admirable

— neat·ly adverb

— neat·ness noun