zero

ze•ro

[[t]ˈzɪər oʊ[/t]] n. pl. -ros, -roes,

1) math. the figure or symbol 0, which in the Arabic notation for numbers stands for the absence of quantity; cipher

2) an origin from which values are calibrated, as on a temperature scale

3) math. a mathematical value intermediate between positive and negative values

4) naught; nothing

5) the lowest point or degree

6) ling. the absence of a linguistic element, as a morpheme, in a position in which one previously existed or might by analogy be expected to exist

7) a sight setting on a firearm or artillery piece for striking the center of a target at any particular range

8) math. Math.

a) the identity element of a group in which the operation is addition

b) an argument at which the value of a function vanishes

9) to adjust (an instrument or apparatus) to a zero point or to an arbitrary reading from which other readings are to be measured

10) phv zero in, to aim (a rifle, etc.) at the precise center or range of a target

11) cvb phv zero in on

a) to aim directly at (a target)

b) to direct one's attention to; focus on

c) to converge on; close in on

d) phv zero out.

e) to reduce to zero

f) to eliminate (a program, department, or the like) by cutting its funding

12) cvb amounting to zero

13) having no measurable quantity or magnitude; not any:

zero economic growth[/ex]

14) ling. of or designating a hypothetical morphological element that is posited as existing by analogy with some regular pattern in a language but has no physical realization: Deer

has a zero plural[/ex]

15) mer Meteorol.

a) (of an atmospheric ceiling) pertaining to or limiting vertical visibility to 50 ft. (15.2 m) or less

b) of, pertaining to, or limiting horizontal visibility to 165 ft. (50.3 m) or less

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Etymology: 1595–1605; < It < ML zephirum < Ar ṣifr cipher