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

  • (..) is one less zombie to fight. It's okay. If I could get into India, where would I start? Who would I speak with? India's a black hole. Forget about patient zero. I can't do that. It's too late for me to build a wall. I'm running out of time. I need specifics. - I need answers.. (..)
    2013 World War Z
  • (..) zombies was cover for something else, I began my investigation on the assumption that when they said "zombies," they meant zombies. Was patient zero from India? That's the problem. There's so many potential sources in play that no one knows where it began. The organ trade in Germany. (..)
    2013 World War Z
  • (..) that's two tens, times twenty, which is , I think. I mean, I am just a... dumb bunny, but we are good at multiplying. Anyway, according to your tax forms, you reported, let me see here, zero! Unfortunately, lying on a... federal form is a punishable offense. Five years jail time. (..)
    2016 Zootopia