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 orderly2 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 : adroit5: net <neat profit>6: fine, admirable

— neat·ly adverb

— neat·ness noun