plural zeros also zeroes
1
a
: the arithmetical symbol 0 or 0̸ denoting the absence of all magnitude or quantity
b
: additive identity
specifically
: the number between the set of all negative numbers and the set of all positive numbers
c
: a value of an independent variable that makes a function equal to zero
+2 and −2 are zeros of f(x)=x2−4
2
: the absence of a measurable quantity see Table of Numbers
3
a(1)
: the point of departure in reckoning
specifically
: the point from which the graduation of a scale (as of a thermometer) begins
(2)
: the temperature represented by the zero mark on a thermometer
b
: the setting or adjustment of the sights of a firearm that causes it to shoot to point of aim at a desired range
4
: an insignificant person or thing : nonentity
5
a
: a state of total absence or neutrality
b
: the lowest point : nadir
6
: something arbitrarily or conveniently designated zero
1
a
: of, relating to, or being a zero
b
: having no magnitude or quantity : not any
zero growth
zero tolerance
c(1)
: having no phonetic manifestation
the zero modification in the past tense of cut
(2)
: having no modified inflectional form
a zero plural
2
a
of a cloud ceiling
: limiting vision to 50 feet (15 meters) or less
b
of horizontal visibility
: limited to 165 feet (50.3 meters) or less
zeroed; zeroing; zeroes
1
: to determine or adjust the zero of
zero a rifle
2
a
: to concentrate firepower on the exact range of
—usually used with in
b
: to bring to bear on the exact range of a target
—usually used with in
1
: to adjust fire on a specific target
—usually used with in
2
: to close in on or focus attention on an objective
—usually used with in
investigators are zeroing in on a suspect
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
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