Neuter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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neuter
[ˈnjuːtər ]
Definitions
gender
Having or belonging to a gender that is neither masculine nor feminine. Neuter is used to describe nouns that do not have a gender in many languages.
Examples of usage
- The word 'child' is neuter in many languages.
- In German, the word 'das Kind' is neuter.
biology
Having undeveloped or nonfunctional sexual organs.
Examples of usage
- Some animals can reproduce as neuters.
grammar
A word that is neither masculine nor feminine in gender.
Examples of usage
- In Latin, 'puer' (boy) is masculine, 'puella' (girl) is feminine, and 'liber' (book) is neuter.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'neuter'
The word 'neuter' comes from the Latin word 'neuter', which means 'neither of two'. The concept of neuter gender in language dates back to ancient times, with languages like Latin and Greek having neuter nouns. In biology, the term 'neuter' is used to describe organisms that have undeveloped or nonfunctional sexual organs. The adjective 'neuter' has been used in English since the 14th century to refer to gender-neutral nouns.
Word Frequency Rank
Positioned at #21,535, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.
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- 21532 channelled
- 21533 frosted
- 21534 perceptibly
- 21535 neuter
- 21536 lauded
- 21537 inhospitable
- 21538 moderating
- ...