ˈzɪərəu n. & v. --n. (pl. -os) 1 a
the figure 0;
nought. b no
quantity or
number;
nil. 2 a
point on the scale of an
instrument from which a
positive or
negative quantity is reckoned. 3 (attrib.) having a
value of zero; no,
not any (zero
population growth). 4 (in full zero-hour) a the
hour at which a planned,
esp.
military,
operation is timed to
begin. b a
crucial moment. 5 the lowest point; a
nullity or
nonentity. --v.tr. (-oes, -oed) 1
adjust (an instrument etc.) to zero point. 2 set the sights of (a gun)
for firing. øzero in on 1
take aim at. 2
focus one's
attention on. zero
option a
disarmament proposal for the
total removal of
certain types of weapons on
both sides. zero-rated on which no value added
tax is charged. zero-sum (of a game,
political situation, etc.) in which
whatever is gained by
one side is
lost by the
other so
that the
net change is
always zero. [F z÷ro or
It. zero f. OSp. f.
Arab. sifr CIPHER]
