zero

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. the point on a scale where measuring begins.

n. the origin point on a graduated scale or coordinate system from which measurements are calculated.

Español:cero

“We need to find the zero point on the ruler before we start measuring.”

“The researchers established a baseline at year zero to track the long-term environmental changes in the valley.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Informal · Slang

n. a person who is seen as having no importance or influence.

n. a person perceived as insignificant, ineffective, or lacking in social status.

“He felt like a total zero after he lost his job and his car.”

“The protagonist begins the novel as a social zero, ignored by his peers until a chance encounter changes his fortunes.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Technology

v. to set a counter or a machine back to 0.

v. to adjust an instrument or account so that it registers zero.

“You should zero the scales before you weigh the next ingredient.”

“The technician had to zero the pressure gauge manually to ensure the readings remained accurate during the experiment.”

B1 · Intermediate

adj. not any; having no amount of something.

adj. amounting to nothing; used to indicate a total absence of a quality or quantity.

“There is zero chance of rain today according to the weather report.”

“The company has a zero tolerance policy regarding harassment in the workplace.”

B1 · Intermediate Cooking

adj. used to describe drinks or food that have no sugar or calories.

adj. denoting a version of a foodstuff, typically a soft drink, formulated to contain no calories or sugar.

“I prefer the taste of the zero version of this cola.”

“The marketing campaign focused on the new zero-calorie range to appeal to health-conscious consumers.”