Neuter Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of NEUTER

grammar, in some languages

:

of or belonging to the class of words (called a gender) that ordinarily includes most of the words referring to things that are neither masculine nor feminine

• The pronoun “it” is neuter.
• a neuter noun

Britannica Dictionary definition of NEUTER

[+ object]

1

:

to remove the sex organs from (an animal)

• She had her dog neutered by the veterinarian.

◊ Neuter usually refers to the action of removing the sex organs from a male animal, while spay usually refers to the action of removing the sex organs from a female animal.

2

disapproving

:

to make (something) much less powerful or effective

• The bill was neutered by the changes made by the legislature.