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

  • (..) When the hell are they? Einstein has just become the world's first time traveler. DOC: I sent him into the future. One minute into the future, to be exact. At precisely a.m. And zero seconds... ...we shall catch up with him and the time machine. Wait a minute, Doc. Are you telling me that (..)
    1985 Back to the Future
  • (..) ...you're going to see some serious shit. Watch this! What did I tell you? miles per hour! The temporal displacement occurred exactly a.m. And zero seconds! Jesus Christ! Jesus Christ, Doc! You disintegrated Einstein! Calm down. I didn't disintegrate anything. (..)
    1985 Back to the Future