Zero | Mean of zero in English Dictionary
/ˈziroʊ/
- Noun
- the number 0
- One million is a one with six zeros [=(Brit) noughts] after it.
- Two minus two equals zero.
- the temperature shown by the zero mark on a thermometer
- It's supposed to fall below zero tonight.
- The temperature is 10° above/below zero.
- nothing at all
- They are working to reduce the mortality rate to zero.
- Her contribution to the project was close to zero. [=she did almost nothing on the project]
- 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]
- (informal) I know zero [=nada, zilch] about fixing computers.
- 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.
- Her new boyfriend's a real zero. [=loser]
- not any
- The economy experienced zero [=no] inflation last year.
- (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
- zero the scale
- to direct all of your attention to (someone or something)
- My teacher helped me zero in on my problems with algebra.
- Scientists are hoping to zero in on a cure.
- to aim something (such as a gun or camera) directly at (someone or something)
- The gunner zeroed in on the target.
- He zeroed in on her with the camera.
- to reduce the amount of (something) to zero
- Be sure to zero out [=empty] the account before you switch banks.
- New legislation will zero out further funding for the project. [=will completely eliminate further funding for the project]
- This program will be zeroed out [=eliminated] in the budget for next year.