Zero | Mean of zero in English Dictionary

/ˈziroʊ/

• Noun
• the number 0
1. One million is a one with six zeros [=(Brit) noughts] after it.
2. Two minus two equals zero.
• the temperature shown by the zero mark on a thermometer
1. It's supposed to fall below zero tonight.
2. The temperature is 10° above/below zero.
• nothing at all
1. They are working to reduce the mortality rate to zero.
2. Her contribution to the project was close to zero. [=she did almost nothing on the project]
3. The car can go from zero to 60 in 10 seconds. [=from not moving at all to going 60 miles per hour in 10 seconds]
4. (informal) I know zero [=nada, zilch] about fixing computers.
5. You'll have to start from zero [=from scratch] if you can't find your notes.

• a person who is not important, interesting, popular, etc.
1. Her new boyfriend's a real zero. [=loser]
• not any
1. The economy experienced zero [=no] inflation last year.
2. (informal) He has zero [=no] chance of winning. = His chances of winning are zero. [=nonexistent]
• Verb
• to set (a measuring device, such as a scale) so that it reads 0
1. zero the scale
• to direct all of your attention to (someone or something)
1. My teacher helped me zero in on my problems with algebra.
2. Scientists are hoping to zero in on a cure.
• to aim something (such as a gun or camera) directly at (someone or something)
1. The gunner zeroed in on the target.
2. He zeroed in on her with the camera.
• to reduce the amount of (something) to zero
1. Be sure to zero out [=empty] the account before you switch banks.
2. New legislation will zero out further funding for the project. [=will completely eliminate further funding for the project]
3. This program will be zeroed out [=eliminated] in the budget for next year.