As an adjective, it means not taking sides in a conflict, or having no strong quality like acid or base, positive or negative. As a noun, it can mean a person or country that stays out of a conflict, or the gear in a vehicle where the engine is not connected to the wheels.
From Latin 'neuter' meaning 'neither (of two)', from 'ne-' (not) + 'uter' (either). It entered English through Old French in legal and political contexts.
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