4. (Chem.) Having neither acid nor basic properties; unable to turn red
litmus blue or blue litmus red; -- said of certain salts or other
compounds. Contrasted with acid, and alkaline.
Neutral axis, Neutral surface (Mech.), that line or plane, in a beam
under transverse pressure, at which the fibers are neither stretched
nor compressed, or where the longitudinal stress is zero. See Axis. --
Neutral equilibrium (Mech.), the kind of equilibrium of a body so
placed that when moved slighty it neither tends to return to its former
position not depart more widely from it, as a perfect sphere or
cylinder on a horizontal plane. -- Neutral salt (Chem.), a salt formed
by the complete replacement of the hydrogen in an acid or base; in the
former case by a positive or basic, in the latter by a negative or
acid, element or radical. -- Neutral tint, a bluish gray pigment, used
in water colors, made by mixing indigo or other blue some warm color.
the shades vary greatly. - - Neutral vowel, the vowel element having an
obscure and indefinite quality, such as is commonly taken by the vowel
in many unaccented syllables. It is regarded by some as identical with
the in up, and is called also the natural vowel, as unformed by art and
effort. See Guide to Pronunciation, § 17.
Neu"tral (?), n. A person or a nation that takes no part in a contest
between others; one who is neutral.
The neutral, as far as commerce extends, becomes a party in the
war.
R. G. Harper.
Neu"tral*ist, n. A neutral; one who professes or practices neutrality.
Milman.
Neu*tral"i*ty (?), n. [Cf. F. neutralité.] 1. The state or quality of
being neutral; the condition of being unengaged in contests between
others; state of taking no part on either side; indifference.
Men who possess a state of neutrality in times of public danger,
desert the interest of their fellow subjects.
Addison.
2. Indifference in quality; a state neither very good nor bad. [Obs.]
Donne.