zero
/ˈziːroʊ/
NOUN
1. The numerical symbol representing zero
The numerical symbol 0, representing the cardinal number that indicates the absence of quantity or amount.
1.1. The digit 0 in numerical notation
The written symbol used to represent zero in decimal, binary, and other numbering systems, including its role as a placeholder in positional notation.
Synonyms
Examples
- The number 100 contains two zeros.
- In binary notation, zero is represented by the digit 0.
Related Words
- numeral
- digit
- integer
- number
- placeholder
- decimal notation
- binary
NOUN
2. Nothing or no quantity
The complete absence of something, or an amount or quantity that has no numerical value.
2.1. Complete absence of something
The total lack or nonexistence of something that might otherwise be present, available, or expected.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- everything
- something
- abundance
- plenty
Examples
- There was zero evidence to support the accusation.
- The investigation produced zero results despite months of work.
- She had zero interest in attending the event.
Related Words
2.2. A numerical amount of none
A quantity, count, or measurable amount equal to none, indicating that nothing has been accumulated, recorded, or obtained.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The team scored zero goals in the first half.
- The financial report showed a balance of zero dollars.
- The experiment recorded zero failures during the testing period.
Related Words
- quantity
- amount
- count
- total
- balance
- score
- measurement
NOUN
3. The starting point of a measurement scale
The reference point on a measuring scale or instrument from which values are measured or at which a particular quantity is considered absent.
3.1. Reference point for measurement
The baseline or origin on a scale, gauge, or measuring instrument from which measurements are calculated or recorded.
Synonyms
Examples
- The technician adjusted the instrument until the needle returned to zero.
- The thermometer's zero represents the freezing point on the Celsius scale.
Related Words
- calibration
- graduation
- scale
- measurement
- gauge
- datum
NOUN
4. A value at which a mathematical function equals zero
A value of an independent variable for which a mathematical function evaluates to zero.
4.1. Root or solution of a function
A value of the input variable that makes a mathematical function equal zero, also known as a root or solution of the function.
Synonyms
- root
- solution
- zero point
Examples
- The mathematician calculated the zeros of the quadratic function.
- The equation has two real zeros.
Related Words
NOUN
5. A person of little or no importance
A person regarded as insignificant, unimportant, or lacking influence, recognition, or social standing.
5.1. An insignificant or unimportant person
Someone considered to have little importance, influence, reputation, or standing within a particular social or professional environment.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- Before becoming a successful entrepreneur, he was treated as a zero in the business world.
- She refused to let others make her feel like a zero.
Related Words
- obscurity
- insignificance
- mediocrity
- anonymity
- figurehead
- personality
NOUN
6. A calibrated setting on an instrument or weapon
A reference setting or position at which an instrument or weapon is adjusted to establish an accurate starting point or alignment.
6.1. Instrument or firearm calibration
The calibrated reference setting used to establish the correct baseline, alignment, or adjustment of an instrument or firearm.
Synonyms
- zero setting
- baseline setting
Examples
- The technician checked the instrument's zero before taking measurements.
Related Words
- calibration
- sighting
- alignment
- adjustment
- instrument
- scope
NOUN
7. A Japanese fighter aircraft
The Mitsubishi A6M Zero, a long-range fighter aircraft operated by the Japanese Navy during World War II.
7.1. World War II fighter aircraft
The Mitsubishi A6M Zero, a Japanese naval fighter aircraft known for its long range and extensive use during the Pacific War.
Synonyms
- Mitsubishi A6M
- A6M Zero
- Zero fighter
Examples
- The Japanese Zero was widely used in aerial combat during the early years of the Pacific War.
Related Words
- fighter aircraft
- Mitsubishi
- Imperial Japanese Navy
- Pacific War
- World War II
- military aviation
ADJECTIVE
8. Having no amount or degree
Indicating that something is entirely absent, nonexistent, or present to no measurable degree.
8.1. Complete absence or lack
Describing a situation in which there is none of something, or an amount, degree, or level that is entirely absent.
Synonyms
- no
- nil
- nonexistent
- absent
- not any
Antonyms
Examples
- The project received zero financial support from external investors.
- There is zero chance of completing the task without additional resources.
- The report identified zero significant errors.
Related Words
ADJECTIVE
9. Extremely limited visibility or cloud ceiling
Describing meteorological conditions in which horizontal visibility or cloud ceiling is severely restricted to specified low limits.
9.1. Severely restricted aviation visibility
Aviation weather terminology describing conditions in which the cloud ceiling or horizontal visibility falls within extremely low specified limits.
Synonyms
- very low visibility
- near-zero visibility
Examples
- The airport reported zero visibility during the dense fog.
Related Words
- visibility
- cloud ceiling
- fog
- aviation weather
- instrument meteorological conditions
VERB
10. To set an instrument or measurement to zero
To adjust a measuring instrument or calibrated device so that its reading corresponds to the correct zero reference point.
10.1. Calibrating a measuring instrument
Adjusting a measuring device, gauge, or instrument to establish an accurate zero reading before taking measurements.
Synonyms
Examples
- The engineer zeroed the scale before weighing the materials.
- Always zero the measuring instrument before recording the results.
Related Words
- calibration
- measurement
- alignment
- gauge
- instrument
- reference point
VERB
11. To set a value or computer memory to zero
To change a numerical value, variable, or memory location so that its stored or assigned value becomes zero.
11.1. Resetting a variable or memory location
Assigning the numerical value zero to a computer variable, memory location, or range of data, thereby clearing its previous numerical value.
Synonyms
- reset
- clear
- initialize
Examples
- The program zeroes the memory buffer before loading new data.
- The developer zeroed the variable to prevent it from retaining its previous value.
Related Words
- programming
- variable
- memory
- data
- initialization
- assignment
11.2. Reducing an amount or value to zero
Causing a numerical amount, balance, or measured value to become zero by eliminating its remaining quantity.
Synonyms
- eliminate
- nullify
- erase
- reduce to zero
Antonyms
Examples
- The company zeroed its outstanding debt after completing the final payment.
- The adjustment zeroed the remaining balance in the account.
Related Words
- reduction
- removal
- cancellation
- balance
- quantity
- depletion
VERB
12. To disappear or vanish
To disappear, vanish, or cease to exist or be noticeable.
12.1. Disappearing or becoming nonexistent
Ceasing to be present, visible, or perceptible, or disappearing completely from a particular situation.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The old records gradually zeroed from public memory.
Related Words
NUMERAL
13. The cardinal number representing no quantity
The whole number immediately preceding one in the sequence of cardinal numbers, representing an amount or quantity of none.
13.1. Cardinal number for no quantity
The number representing the absence of quantity, written as 0 and serving as the additive identity in arithmetic.
Synonyms
Examples
- Zero is the additive identity because adding it to any number leaves that number unchanged.
- The number zero comes before one in the sequence of whole numbers.
Related Words
- cardinal number
- integer
- additive identity
- number line
- arithmetic
- mathematics