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to zero

to zero

2 6.8
Set an instrument so it shows zero before taking measurements
  • verb
  • /ˈziːroʊ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : poner a cero
  • Thinking in terms of pure visual design—lines, curves, negative space—will help you to zero in on a graphic composition.

So I have to turn it to zero first and ramp it up slowly and very slowly too.

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Examples

  • I am a big fan of ConsumerReports.org, and if you take a look at their reliability reports for used cars, you can quickly zero in on what the most reliable models are.

    Blog text (1)
  • Okay, so the second we get it, we zero out everything.

  • So let's zero that and we'll do the green one first.

  • I'm zeroing in on your location.

  • You're absolutely right to zero in on Ware's insistence that the novel is about memory.

    Blog text (24)
  • Before taking the measurements, make sure to zero the scale to ensure accuracy.

  • The technician will zero the instrument before starting the calibration process.

  • It's important to zero the device to get a correct reading during the experiment.

Synonyms

to null
vsto zero
1 7.8

To make something have no effect or value

prepares the device baseline rather than removing or canceling a value
to turn back to zero
vsto zero
  • Specialized
5.3

To put a device like a scale or gauge back to zero

prepares the device baseline rather than returning it to the start position

Idioms

To become successful and respected after being unknown or unsuccessful

Phrasal Verbs

63 4.7

To focus closely on a specific target

44 4.2

To give most attention to one person or thing

to zero in
  • Specialized
4 7.0

To adjust a gun or rifle so it shoots accurately at a set distance

to turn back to zero
  • Specialized
5.3

To put a device like a scale or gauge back to zero

Compounds

61 4.6

The place in New York City where the World Trade Center was before the 2001 terrorist attacks

53 4.3

A policy that makes people follow rules with no exceptions, even for small mistakes

17 6.2

The place where a major disaster or attack happens, often the area most affected

16 4.9

A strict rule that gives the same punishment for every bad act with no exceptions

A situation where one person's gain is exactly another person's loss

absolute zero
  • Specialized
5 6.7

The lowest possible temperature when tiny particles almost stop moving

4 5.1

The exact time when a planned action begins

patient zero
  • Specialized
3 7.0

First known person infected in an outbreak who may spread the disease to others

zero point
  • Specialized
2 4.0

A position on a scale where the value is zero and measurements start

2 6.3

The exact place on the ground most damaged by a bomb or explosion

1 4.2

A way to stop making trash by reusing, recycling and using fewer things

aleph-zero
  • Specialized
1 9.9

The size of all whole numbers like 0, 1, 2 and so on, the smallest infinity

1 6.8

Person who is the first source of a spreading trend, like a rumor or scandal

1 9.6

A software flaw attackers use before developers know or fix it

World War Zero
  • Neologism
8.8

A possible global conflict using new kinds of attacks like hacking and harm from climate change

zero coupon security
  • Specialized
7.8

A bond sold at a large discount that pays no regular interest and repays full value at maturity

zero coupon bond
  • Specialized
7.9

An investment sold for less than its full value that pays no interest until it ends

zero-day exploit
  • Specialized
9.9

A hole in software that attackers use before developers release a fix

zero-coupon bond
  • Specialized
7.1

A loan you buy for less than its value that pays no interest until it ends

zero-coupon security
  • Specialized
9.0

A bond sold for less than its value that pays no interest and gives the full amount when it ends

Surface Forms

zero infinitive
zeroed past
zeroed past participle
zeroing present participle
zeros third person singular

Etymology

Zero comes from the Arabic word sifr, which means 'empty' or 'nothing', and entered English from Italian zero. To zero an instrument is to set it to read 'nothing' before you start measuring, which makes the origin easy to remember.