zero

Definition

  • noun: the number 0
  • noun: the arithmetical symbol 0 or 0̸ denoting the absence of all magnitude or quantity
  • verb: to set (a measuring device, such as a scale) so that it reads 0
  • verb: to determine or adjust the zero of (as a rifle)
  • usually singular
  • synonyms: cipher, nothing, naught

Examples

  • The camp has a 'zero tolerance' drug and alcohol policy. [=drugs and alcohol are not allowed at the camp and anyone found with drugs or alcohol will be punished]

  • The police announced that there will be 'zero tolerance' for looters. [=anyone caught looting will be punished as harshly as possible]

  • New legislation will 'zero out' further funding for the project. [=will completely eliminate further funding for the project]

Movie quotes

  • (..) I can get by with about % of what we have left. If we use .% of remaining altitude-adjust fuel... That will bring the intercept range to zero. Do it. Hang on. It brings the range to zero... But the intercept velocity will be meters per second. (..)
    2015 The Martian
  • (..) Commander? We're scrubbed. That's an order. minutes. Visibility is almost zero. Anyone gets lost, hone in on my suit's telemetry. You ready? Ready. (..)
    2015 The Martian