Neutral - Definition and Overview

Neutral means balanced between two or more opposites. The term has many uses in science and otherwise.

In physics, a neutral particle or object has zero electric charge. An atom with a positive or negative charge is called an ion.
In chemistry, a neutral solution is neither acidic nor basic and has a pH of 7.
In politics, a neutral country takes no side in a conflict between other parties. In return, it hopes to avoid being attacked by either of them.
Neutral alignment in role-playing games such as Dungeons and Dragons.
In semiotics the neutral level is the "trace" left behind, the physical or material creation of esthesic and poietic, productive or creative and receptive or perceptive, processes.
In mains wiring, neutral has two subtly different meanings. The first meaning refers to a current-carrying core that is tied to a grounding point. The second refers to a core that acts as a common for several phase cores.
In language study, neutral is an adjective used for the neuter noun gender, as well as for the gender-neutral language.
In economics, the question of neutrality of money is whether money supply affects the real economy.

Other uses