thermoneutral environment /-no̅o̅′trəl/ [Gk, thermē + L, neutralis, neutral; ME, environ, around] , 1. an environment that keeps body temperature at an optimum point at which the least amount of oxygen is consumed for metabolism. 2. an environment that enables a neonate to maintain a body temperature of 97.7° F (36.5° C) with a minimal requirement of energy and oxygen.
