Zero

Definition

The word "zero" denotes (1) the integer or number representing no quantity; (2) the symbol “0” used in numerals; (3) a quantity of nothing; and (4) (verb) the act of setting something to zero.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Numeral
• Adjective
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /ˈziː.roʊ/
• Respelling: ZEE-roh

British English

• IPA: /ˈzɪə.rəʊ/
• Respelling: ZEE-roh

Etymology

Via Old French zerre and Medieval Latin zephirum from Arabic ṣifr “empty,” entering English in the late 14th century.

Derivatives

• Zeroes / Zeros (plural noun)
• Zeroth (adjective)
• Zeroing (noun / present participle)
• Zero-in (verb)

Synonyms

• Nil
• Nought
• Nothing

Antonyms

• One
• Unity
• Nonzero

Usage

"Zero" appears in mathematics, measurement, computing, and idioms. Examples: "The temperature fell to zero," "Input a leading zero for single-digit numbers," and "Be sure to zero the scale."

Related Terms

• Number: A mathematical object used to count or measure.
• Null: Denoting no value or existence.
• Placeholder: A symbol holding positional value.
• Origin: The point (0,0) in a coordinate system.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The integer 0: Denotes the numeric value representing no quantity.
  • Example: "The equation 2 + 0 equals 2."
• A quantity of nothing: Refers to the absence of measurable amount.
  • Example: "She scored zero points in the game."

Numeral

• The symbol or figure 0: Represents zero in writing and notation.
  • Example: "Write your answer as 05 to include a leading zero."
• A placeholder in positional notation: Holds a place value without adding quantity.
  • Example: "In 2025, the middle zero separates the thousands and hundreds."

Adjective

• Having a value of zero: Indicates that something is at a zero level or baseline.
  • Example: "The thermometer read zero degrees Celsius."
• Complete absence of something: Describes a state of nonexistence or null amount.
  • Example: "There was zero tolerance for cheating."

Verb

• To set to zero or baseline: Refers to adjusting a measurement or counter back to zero.
  • Example: "Remember to zero the scale before weighing ingredients."
• (Informal) To aim precisely at a target: To focus attention or effort sharply.
  • Example: "He zeroed in on the issue immediately."