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

  • (..) So, instead, I'm gonna talk about math. I am not a mathematician, but I do know this. There are infinite numbers between zero and one. There's point-one, point-one-two, and point-one-one-two, and... and an infinite collection of others. Of course, there is a bigger infinite set of numbers between zero and two... or between zero and a million. Some infinities are simply bigger than other infinities. A writer that we used to like taught us that. (..)
    2014 The Fault in Our Stars