zero
9 ENTRIES FOUND:
plural
zeros
also
zeroes
plural
zeros
also
zeroes
Britannica Dictionary definition of ZERO
1
:
the number 0
[count]
-
One million is a one with six zeros [=(Brit) noughts] after it.
[noncount]
-
Two minus two equals zero.
2
[noncount]
:
the temperature shown by the zero mark on a thermometer
—
see also absolute zero, subzero
-
It's supposed to fall below zero tonight.
-
The temperature is 10° above/below zero.
3
[noncount]
:
nothing at all
-
They are working to reduce the mortality rate to zero.
-
Her contribution to the project was close to zero. [=she did almost nothing on the project]
-
The car can go from zero to 60 in 10 seconds. [=from not moving at all to going 60 miles per hour in 10 seconds]
-
(informal) I know zero [=nada, zilch] about fixing computers.
-
You'll have to start from zero [=from scratch] if you can't find your notes.
4
[count]
informal
:
a person who is not important, interesting, popular, etc.
— usually singular
-
Her new boyfriend's a real zero. [=loser]
2
zero
/ˈziroʊ/
adjective
2
zero
/ˈziroʊ/
adjective
Britannica Dictionary definition of ZERO
:
not any
-
The economy experienced zero [=no] inflation last year.
-
(informal) He has zero [=no] chance of winning. = His chances of winning are zero. [=nonexistent]
3
zero
/ˈziroʊ/
verb
zeroes;
zeroed;
zeroing
3
zero
/ˈziroʊ/
verb
zeroes;
zeroed;
zeroing
Britannica Dictionary definition of ZERO
[+ object]
technical
:
to set (a measuring device, such as a scale) so that it reads 0
zero in on
[phrasal verb]
1
zero in on (someone or something)
:
to direct all of your attention to (someone or something)
-
My teacher helped me zero in on my problems with algebra.
-
Scientists are hoping to zero in on a cure.
2
:
to aim something (such as a gun or camera) directly at (someone or something)
-
The gunner zeroed in on the target.
-
He zeroed in on her with the camera.
zero out
[phrasal verb]
zero (something) out
or
zero out (something)
US
:
to reduce the amount of (something) to zero
:
to remove (something) completely
-
Be sure to zero out [=empty] the account before you switch banks.
-
New legislation will zero out further funding for the project. [=will completely eliminate further funding for the project]
-
This program will be zeroed out [=eliminated] in the budget for next year.
