neuter

Neuter is a term used in linguistics and biology to describe a state or category that is not masculine or feminine. It derives from the Latin neuter, meaning “neither of the two.” In grammar, neuter refers to a grammatical gender; in medicine or animal care, it can refer to sterilization that disables reproduction.

In languages with grammatical gender, the neuter category applies to certain nouns, pronouns, and agreement patterns. Not all languages have a neuter; among those that do, neuter forms often govern agreement for adjectives and determiners with inanimate or abstract nouns. In English, the neuter pronoun is “it” and the possessive is “its.”

Neutering in animals is the surgical sterilization to prevent reproduction. For males, the procedure is commonly called castration or neutering; for females, spaying. It is widely used to control animal populations and can reduce behaviors associated with mating and roaming. Health benefits can include lower risk of certain cancers, such as testicular cancer in males and some mammary tumors in females when performed early, though results vary with species and individual factors.

Timing and risks: procedures are typically performed when young, though practices vary by species and region. Possible risks include surgical complications and anesthesia. Welfare considerations are debated, including the appropriate age for surgery and potential long-term effects such as weight gain if diet and activity are not managed. Alternatives in some contexts include chemical sterilization or reversible methods, though these are not universally available or accepted.

Outside biology, the term neuter is rarely applied to humans due to ethical concerns. In grammar and linguistics, neuter remains one of several gender classifications used to mark noun classes and agreement.