Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Having no or imperfectly developed or nonfunctional sex organs: In biology, describing an organism, especially an insect like a worker bee or ant, that lacks fully developed reproductive organs.
   • Of grammatical gender: In grammar, describing a word class (nouns, pronouns, adjectives) that is neither masculine nor feminine. It often refers to inanimate objects or abstract concepts.

2. Noun:

   • A gender that refers chiefly (but not exclusively) to inanimate objects (neither masculine nor feminine): The grammatical category of words that are classified as neuter.
   • A neuter word: A word, such as a noun or pronoun, that belongs to the neuter gender.
   • A neutered animal: An animal that has had its reproductive organs removed.

3. Verb:

   • To remove the ovaries or testicles of (an animal): To sterilize an animal, such as a cat or dog, through surgery.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • In the hive, the neuter worker bees are responsible for collecting food.
  • In German, the word for "book" ("das Buch") is a neuter noun.
• Noun:
  • The pronoun "it" is a neuter.
  • The veterinarian recommended making our pet a neuter.
• Verb:
  • We decided to neuter our dog to prevent unwanted litters.
  • The shelter ensures all adopted cats are neutered.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative/Neutral Stance: While less common, "neuter" can describe a position of neutrality or lack of distinctive character.
  • The report took a deliberately neuter tone, avoiding any strong opinions.

Variants and Related Words

• Neutered (adj.): Describing an animal that has undergone the surgical procedure.
  • A neutered cat.
• Neutering (n.): The act or process of performing the surgery.
  • The neutering of pets is common.

Synonyms

• Adjective (grammar): Neutral, genderless.
• Verb: Sterilize, castrate (specifically for males), spay (specifically for females), desex, alter.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• (This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs.)

Related Idioms

• (There are no common idioms directly centered on the word "neuter.")

Adjective

1. having no or imperfectly developed or nonfunctional sex organs
2. of grammatical gender
   • `it' is the third-person singular neuter pronoun

Noun

1. a gender that refers chiefly (but not exclusively) to inanimate objects (neither masculine nor feminine)

Verb

1. remove the ovaries of
   • Is your cat spayed?