1. A mathematical element that when added to another number yields the same number
   "Adding zero to any number leaves it unchanged";
   - 0, nought [Brit], cipher, cypher, naught [N. Amer]
    
2. No amount at all; absence of any thing, quantity or value
   "The chances of success were zero";
   - nothing, nil, nix [informal], nada [N. Amer, informal], null, aught [archaic], cipher, cypher, goose egg [N. Amer, informal], naught [N. Amer], zilch [informal], zip [N. Amer, informal], zippo [N. Amer, informal], nought [Brit]
    
3. The point on a scale from which positive or negative numerical quantities can be measured
   "The thermometer's zero point is the freezing point of water";
   - zero point

1. Indicating the absence of any or all units under consideration
   "a zero score";
   - 0
    
2. Having no measurable or otherwise determinable value
   "the goal is zero population growth"
    
3. Indicating an initial point or origin
   "Zero altitude"; "Start from zero"
    
4. Of or relating to the null set (a set with no members)
   "The zero probability of the event meant it was impossible"

1. Adjust (an instrument or device) to zero value
   "The scientist zeroed the scale before weighing the sample"
    
2. Adjust (as by firing under test conditions) the zero of (a gun)
   "He zeroed in his rifle at 200 yards";
   - zero in

1. Not involving zero; having a value other than zero
   "The experiment yielded non-zero results, indicating a significant effect"

See also: cardinal, no, ordinal

Type of: adjust, correct, digit, figure, numerical quantity, relative quantity, set

Encyclopedia: Zero, Montana