neutral
n. C / Un. a position or person that does not take sides in a fight or argument. In a car, it is the gear where the engine is not connected to the wheels.
n. a person, country, or entity that remains impartial and does not support either side in a conflict. In mechanics, the position of a gear mechanism where power is not transmitted to the drive shaft.
The country remained a neutral during the long war.
The mediator acted as a neutral to help both companies reach a fair agreement.
By shifting the car into neutral while waiting at the long traffic light, the driver reduced the strain on the engine and saved a small amount of fuel.
From Middle French neutral (compare modern French neutre), from Latin neutrālis. By surface analysis, neuter + -al.
Often used with the preposition 'in' when referring to vehicle gears ('in neutral').