Main Entry: ²neutral

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English neuterall mutually neutralizing, from Medieval Latin *neutralis, back-formation from neutralitas middle ground, from Latin neutralis neuter, from neutr-, neuter

Date: 1549

1 : not engaged on either side; specifically : not aligned with a political or ideological grouping <a neutral nation>
2 : of or relating to a neutral state or power <neutral territory>
3 a : not decided or pronounced as to characteristics : indifferent b (1) : achromatic (2) : nearly achromatic c (1) : neuter 3 (2) : lacking stamens or pistils d : neither acid nor basic e : not electrically charged
4 : produced with the tongue in the position it has when at rest <the neutral vowels of \ə-ˈbəv\ above>

— neu·tral·ly \-trə-lē\ adverb

— neu·tral·ness noun