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Glite Dictionary
to turn back to zero

to turn back to zero

5.3
To put a device like a scale or gauge back to zero
  • phrasal verb
  • Specialized
translation icon : resetear a cero
  • You should always turn back to zero the gauge before starting a new experiment.

Examples

  • The technician carefully turned back to zero the counter after each measurement cycle.

  • Before weighing the next item, remember to turn back to zero the kitchen scale.

  • Please turn back to zero before starting the test!

  • The technician turned back to zero the machine's counter.

  • Before starting the experiment, you must turn back to zero the measuring device.

  • Always turn back to zero the meter after you finish your readings.

  • The operator needs to turn back to zero the display before each new session.

Synonyms

to reset
vsto turn back to zero
107 2.9

To set something back to its original state

is specific to returning instruments, gauges, or counters to their start reading
to zero
vsto turn back to zero
  • Specialized
2 6.8

Set an instrument so it shows zero before taking measurements

is used to return instruments or counters to their start, not only for measurement
to reset the dial
vsto turn back to zero
4.5

Move a control back to its original position

applies to whole instruments or counters returning to start, not only individual controls

Antonyms

to increment
1 3.7

To increase something by a fixed amount in steps

How Reset

to turn back to zero
  • Specialized
5.3
to reset
107 2.9
to recalibrate
  • Specialized
21 6.5
to adjust
317 2.7

Surface Forms

turn back to zero infinitive
turned back to zero past
turned back to zero past participle
turning back to zero present participle
turns back to zero third person singular

Morphology

turn + back + to + zero

The meaning 'to reset an instrument to zero' is directly derivable from the parts: 'turn' (move/rotate) + 'back' (to a previous/starting position) + 'zero' (the zero mark). The construction 'turn ... to zero' is a straightforward, compositional instruction found across languages and follows normal motion/directional+goal patterns, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents would understand it.

Etymology

The phrase turn back to zero comes from the image of a dial or counter that you turn by hand so the pointer goes back to the start at zero. So it means 'to reset' an instrument or gauge to its starting point.