1 : the number 0 [count] ▪ One million is a one with six zeros [=(Brit) noughts] after it. [noncount] ▪ Two minus two equals zero. 2 [noncount] : the temperature shown by the zero mark on a thermometer
▪ It's supposed to fall below zero tonight. ▪ The temperature is 10° above/below zero. — see also absolute zero, subzero 3 [noncount] : nothing at all
▪ They are working to reduce the mortality rate to zero. ▪ Her contribution to the project was close to zero. [=she did almost nothing on the project] ▪ The car can go from zero to 60 in 10 seconds. [=from not moving at all to going 60 miles per hour in 10 seconds] ▪ (informal) I know zero [=nada, zilch] about fixing computers. ▪ You'll have to start from zero [=from scratch] if you can't find your notes. 4 [count] informal : a person who is not important, interesting, popular, etc. — usually singular ▪ Her new boyfriend's a real zero. [=loser]
▪ It's supposed to fall below zero tonight. ▪ The temperature is 10° above/below zero. — see also absolute zero, subzero
▪ They are working to reduce the mortality rate to zero. ▪ Her contribution to the project was close to zero. [=she did almost nothing on the project] ▪ The car can go from zero to 60 in 10 seconds. [=from not moving at all to going 60 miles per hour in 10 seconds] ▪ (informal) I know zero [=nada, zilch] about fixing computers. ▪ You'll have to start from zero [=from scratch] if you can't find your notes.
— see also ground zero




