num

zero

ZEER-roh

num

The number 0; the quantity representing none at all.

"The thermometer read zero degrees this morning."

"She scored zero points in the first round."

noun

The starting point on a scale from which measurements are counted.

"The gauge is calibrated so that zero means no pressure at all."

Nothing at all; none.

"He had zero interest in the meeting."

verb

To reset something to zero, or to adjust an instrument so it reads zero correctly.

"Zero the scale before you weigh the ingredients."

"The sniper zeroed his rifle scope at 200 metres."

How to Use Zero

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe number that means "none" — also used as a verb meaning to reset something to that starting point.

Common mistake

In finance and sport, "zero" and "nil"/"nought" are often interchangeable in British English, but "zero" is the standard technical term.

Common pairings

zero tolerance zero in on zero out ground zero

Word Forms

zeroed past tense, zeros plural, zeroes plural, zeroes singular, zeros singular

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The thermometer read _____ degrees this morning.

Etymology

Traces back through French and Italian to an Arabic word for "empty" or "nothing," which itself translated a Sanskrit term for the void — the same root that gives us "cipher."

Synonyms

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value of a function’s variables at zero origin zero point nadir

Antonyms

pole

Related Words

cause apex nadir pole origin terminus summit

Rhymes for zero

hero Nero Pero numero hetero dinero Cicero bolero romero Madero montero Cordero

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