This is the 99th most frequent Greek word.
ούτε
"Neither" or "nor."
Here, "ούτε" functions as a conjunction expressing mutual exclusivity or inability, used repeatedly to emphasize the choices are not plausible.
Δεν μπορεί να διαλέξει ούτε αυτό ούτε εκείνο.
He cannot choose either this or that.
In this case, "ούτε" works as a correlating conjunction used with subjects, indicating that both Maria and Peter are absent.
Ούτε η Μαρία ούτε ο Πέτρος είναι παρόντες.
Neither Maria nor Peter are present.
In this sentence, "ούτε" is used in a correlating construction to express 'neither...nor.' It connects two nouns indicating the absence of both.