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zero

num. · n. · v. · adj.
US //ˈziɹoʊ// UK //zˈiəɹəʊ// ze·ro
  1. 1 the number 0 (num.)
    A2 Elementary Math

    the number that comes before one and means no quantity at all.

    the cardinal number representing the absence of quantity or the additive identity in arithmetic.

    Example

    The temperature dropped to zero degrees during the night.

    Example

    In binary code, every piece of data is represented by a sequence of ones and zeros.
  2. 2 starting point (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the point on a scale where measuring begins.

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The researchers established a baseline at year zero to track the long-term environmental changes in the valley.
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  1. 3 unimportant person (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Slang

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The protagonist begins the novel as a social zero, ignored by his peers until a chance encounter changes his fortunes.
  2. 4 to reset (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical

    to set a counter or a machine back to 0.

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The technician had to zero the pressure gauge manually to ensure the readings remained accurate during the experiment.
  3. 5 none at all (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    not any; having no amount of something.

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The company has a zero tolerance policy regarding harassment in the workplace.
  4. 6 no calories (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate Cooking

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

Collectively borrowed from Early Modern Spanish zero, Middle French zero, and (their etymon) Old Italian zero, from Medieval Latin zēphirum, from Arabic صِفْر (ṣifr, “nothing; cipher”), itself calqued from Sanskrit शून्य (śūnyá, “void; nothingness”). Doublet of cipher and chiffre. Cognate with Spanish cero and French zéro.

Idioms4 entries

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