zero - Dictionary Definition : Vocabulary.com

Zero means nothing. When you add zero to the number one, you get the number one. If your mother says your new boyfriend is a zero, she thinks he's got nothing going for him.

You might know zero as 0, zilch, zip, nothing, or nada. While it is a number of no value, without it we wouldn't be able to count beyond 9. The temperature at which water freezes is zero degrees Celsius. And if you got a zero on a test, it means that you answered every single question wrong.

PRIMARY MEANINGS OF: zero

1	n adj	a mathematical element that when added to another number yields the same number having no measurable or otherwise determinable value
2	n v adj	the point on a scale from which positive or negative numerical quantities can be measured adjust (an instrument or device) to zero value indicating an initial point or origin
3	n v	the sight setting that will cause a projectile to hit the center of the target with no wind blowing adjust (as by firing under test conditions) the zero of (a gun)

FULL DEFINITIONS OF: zero

1

n a mathematical element that when added to another number yields the same number

Synonyms:: 0, cipher, cypher, nought

Type of:: digit, figure
one of the elements that collectively form a system of numeration

n a quantity of no importance

Synonyms:: aught, cipher, cypher, goose egg, nada, naught, nil, nix, nothing, null, zilch, zip, zippo

Types:: nihil
(Latin) nil; nothing (as used by a sheriff after an unsuccessful effort to serve a writ); Fanny Adams, bugger all, fuck all, sweet Fanny Adams
little or nothing at all

Type of:: relative quantity
a quantity relative to some purpose

adj having no measurable or otherwise determinable value

“the goal is zero population growth”

Synonyms: no
quantifier; used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns for indicating a complete or almost complete lack or zero quantity of

adj of or relating to the null set (a set with no members)

adj indicating the absence of any or all units under consideration

“a zero score”

Synonyms:: 0

: cardinal
being or denoting a numerical quantity but not order

2

n the point on a scale from which positive or negative numerical quantities can be measured

Synonyms:: zero point

Type of:: numerical quantity
a quantity expressed as a number

v adjust (an instrument or device) to zero value

Type of:: adjust, correct, set
alter or regulate so as to achieve accuracy or conform to a standard

adj indicating an initial point or origin

Synonyms: ordinal
being or denoting a numerical order in a series

3

n the sight setting that will cause a projectile to hit the center of the target with no wind blowing

Type of:: sight setting
the adjustment of a gunsight for elevation and windage on a particular range under favorable light conditions

v adjust (as by firing under test conditions) the zero of (a gun)

“He zeroed in his rifle at 200 yards”

Synonyms:: zero in

Type of:: adjust, correct, set
alter or regulate so as to achieve accuracy or conform to a standard