neuter

 
Pronunciation: /ˈnjuːtə/

adjective

  • 1of or denoting a gender of nouns in some languages, typically contrasting with masculine and feminine or common: the Spirit is a neuter word in Greek
  • 2(of an animal) lacking developed sexual organs, or having had them removed.
  • (of a plant or flower) having neither functional pistils nor functional stamens.
  • (of a person) apparently having no sexual characteristics; asexual: soft, languid, sexually neuter types

noun

  • 1 Grammar a neuter word.
  • (the neuter) the neuter gender.
  • 2a non-fertile caste of social insect, especially a worker bee or ant.
  • a castrated or spayed domestic animal.
  • an asexual person: the conquering hero is a neuter

verb

[with object]
  • 1castrate or spay (a domestic animal): all pit bulls must be registered and neutered (as adjective neutered) a neutered tomcat
  • 2make ineffective: disarmament negotiations that will neuter their military power

Origin:

late Middle English: via Old French from Latin neuter 'neither', from ne- 'not' + uter 'either'