zero

ze-ro · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The number 0; the absence of quantity or number.

  2. 2.

    A point on a scale from which other measurements begin.

  3. 3.

    Nothing; nil.

  4. 4.

    [as verb]To adjust to zero; to aim precisely at.

Forms

plural: zeros

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    zero in on — To focus attention precisely on.
  • •
    ground zero — The point directly below or above an explosion; the starting point.

Related words

See also: nil, nothing, number
Synonyms: nil, nothing, nought

Etymology

From Italian zero, from Medieval Latin zephirum, from Arabic ṣifr ("empty, cipher").