To remove or make powerless and ineffective; in grammar, a gender classification for words that are neither masculine nor feminine; or to surgically remove a pet's reproductive organs.
From Latin 'neuter' meaning 'neither', composed of 'ne-' (not) and 'uter' (which of two). Used in Latin grammar for a third grammatical gender distinct from masculine and feminine.
In English, we don't have a neuter gender in grammar anymore, but we use 'it' which evolved from Old English neuter pronouns—every time you say 'it', you're using a ghost of the neuter gender that ruled Latin.
Historically used to code gender-nonconforming or intersex people as 'neither' rather than as valid identities. In grammar, 'neuter' gender carries assumptions that unmarked = male default.
In linguistic contexts, use 'neuter gender' for grammatical classification only. When discussing people, never use 'neuter' as a descriptor; use the person's stated identity.
["neutral gender","non-binary","gender-neutral"]
Gender-diverse people have always existed and built cultures and communities. Language should reflect identity, not reduce it to absence or mathematical neutrality.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.