neutered
Definition
Adjective: 1. Having testicles or ovaries removed: Describes an animal, typically a pet or livestock, that has been surgically sterilized by the removal of its reproductive organs.
Usage
The adjective "neutered" is used to describe the state of an animal after the surgical procedure of neutering. It is most commonly applied to male animals (castration), but can also refer to the sterilization of female animals (spaying) in a general or informal context. It is a standard term in veterinary medicine and pet care.
Examples
- Adjective:
- All adopted cats from this shelter are already neutered.
- The neutered dog was much calmer and less likely to roam.
- It is responsible pet ownership to ensure your animals are neutered.
Advanced Usage
- Figurative/Informal Use: In a non-literal, often critical sense, "neutered" can describe something that has been deprived of its force, vigor, or effectiveness.
- The committee presented a neutered version of the original proposal, stripping it of all its impactful measures.
- Critics argued the film was a neutered adaptation, lacking the novel's controversial themes.
Variants and Related Words
- Neuter (verb): To castrate or spay an animal.
- We plan to neuter our rabbit next month.
- Neutering (noun): The act or process of performing this surgery.
- Early neutering is recommended for population control.
Synonyms
- Sterilized: Rendered incapable of reproduction.
- Castrated: Specifically refers to the removal of testicles (for males).
- Spayed: Specifically refers to the sterilization of a female animal by removing the ovaries and usually the uterus.
- Fixed (informal): Made incapable of breeding.
- Altered (informal): Having had reproductive surgery.
Antonyms
- Intact: Not neutered; possessing all original reproductive organs.
- Entire (primarily UK): An animal that has not been castrated.
- Fertile: Capable of reproducing.
Adjective
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having testicles or ovaries removed
