1. Not engaged on
either side; not assume
part with or assisting
either of
two or more contending parties; neuter; indifferent. "The
heart can not possibly stay neutral,
but constantly takes
part one
way or the other." (Shaftesbury)
2. Neither
good nor bad; of
middle characteristic; middling; not
decided or pronounced. "Some things good, and some things ill, do seem, And
neutral some, in her
fantastic eye." (Sir J. Davies)
3.
Neuter. See Neuter.
4. Having neither acid nor basic properties; unable to turn red litmus blue or blue litmus red; said of determined salts or another compounds. Contrasted with acid, and alkaline.
Neutral axis, Neutral surface, a salt formed by the complete replacement of the hydrogen in an acid or base; in the former case by a positive or basic, in the latter by a negative or acid, element or radical. Neutral tint, a bluish gray pigment, used in water colours, made by mixing indigo or another blue some warm colour. The shades vary greatly. Neutral vowel, the vowel element having an obscure and vague characteristic, such as is commonly taken by the vowel in much unaccented syllables. It is regarded by some as selfsame with the u in up, and is called also the natural vowel, as unformed by art and effort.
Origin: L. Neutralis, fr. Neuter. See Neuter.
Source: Websters Vocabulary