Definition

1. Numeral / Noun:

   • The numerical symbol or value representing nothing; the absence of quantity. It is the integer before 1 and the additive identity in mathematics.
   • A point of origin or neutral value on a scale. For example, the zero point on a thermometer or a gauge.
   • The lowest possible amount or degree; nothing. Used to indicate a complete lack of something.

2. Adjective:

   • Having a value of zero; amounting to nothing. Indicating no quantity, degree, or amount.
   • Of or at a point, especially on a scale, from which positive and negative values are calculated. For example, a zero baseline.

Usage Examples

• Numeral/Noun:

  • The final score was three to zero.
  • In the equation 5 + 0 = 5, zero is the additive identity.
  • The temperature dropped to zero degrees Celsius.

• Adjective:

  • He has zero tolerance for bad behavior.
  • The project made zero progress this week.
  • Set the meter back to the zero position.

Advanced Usage

• "To zero in on (something)": To focus all attention or aim directly at a specific target or objective.
  • The detective zeroed in on the key piece of evidence.
• "Zero-sum" (adjective): Describing a situation where one participant's gain or loss is exactly balanced by the losses or gains of others.
  • They view the negotiation as a zero-sum game.
• "Absolute zero" (noun): The theoretical lowest possible temperature, at which molecular motion ceases.

Variants and Related Words

• Zeroes/Zeros (n): The plural form of the noun "zero."
  • Write two zeros after the five.
• Zeroed (v): The past tense of the verb "to zero," meaning to set to zero or adjust to a zero point.
  • He zeroed the scale before weighing the sample.
• Zeroing (v): The present participle/gerund of the verb "to zero."
  • The process of zeroing the instrument is crucial.

Synonyms

• Nil: Often used in sports scores.
• Nothing: The general concept of no thing or amount.
• Nought/Naught (chiefly British): An older term for zero.
• Zilch (informal): Meaning nothing at all.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Zero out: To reduce an amount to zero; to cancel or eliminate.
  • The new tax credit will zero out his liability.

Related Idioms

• "From zero to hero": Describes a rapid change from being a complete failure to being very successful.
  • His invention took him from zero to hero in the tech industry.

Adjective

1. indicating the absence of any or all units under consideration
   • a zero score

Noun

1. a mathematical element that when added to another number yields the same number