zero

Meanings

1. 1
   num

   The number 0; no quantity or amount at all.

   The conductor waited until the passenger count was zero.

2. 2
   noun

   The point on a scale where measurement begins, especially of temperature.

   The temperature outside is ten degrees below zero.

3. 3
   adj

   None at all; not any.

   He scored a zero score on the first try.

4. 4
   verb

   To focus closely on or aim directly at something.

   Investigators began to zero in on the cause of the fire.

Collectively borrowed from Early Modern Spanish zero, Middle French zero, and (their etymon) Old Italian zero, from Medieval Latin zēphirum, from Arabic صِفْر (ṣifr, “nothing; cipher”), itself calqued from Sanskrit शून्य (śūnyá, “void; nothingness”). Doublet of cipher and chiffre. Cognate with Spanish cero and French zéro.

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