zeroth

An adjective meaning 'coming before the first' or 'numbered zero in a series', often used in mathematics, physics, and computing.

• 🇨🇳形容词，表示“位于第一个之前的”或“在一系列中编号为零的”，常用于数学、物理和计算机领域。

1. Preceding the first C1 formal

   Coming before the first in a sequence or order, often used in mathematics and science.

   • The zeroth law of thermodynamics defines thermal equilibrium.
   • In computer science, array indices often start at the zeroth element.
   • The zeroth chapter of the book introduces the basic concepts.

   🇨🇳第零的

• more zeroth comparative form
• most zeroth superlative form

The cardinal numeral representing the quantity of nothing, null, or absence of units; the additive identity in mathematics (any number plus zero remains unchanged); the boundary point between positive and negative numbers on the number line; a placeholder digit in positional numeral systems. Also functions as a noun (denoting the symbol, quantity, or concept of nothingness), adjective/determiner (modifying nouns to indicate null quantity), and pronoun (standing in for a null plural noun phrase).

• 🇨🇳数词，表示没有数量或零值；也可用作名词、限定词或代词，表示“没有、毫无”。

1. Cardinal numeral: the number 0 A1 formal

   Used to denote a quantity of no persons or things; the integer representing null quantity in the sequence of integers; the additive identity in arithmetic (a + 0 = a); represents absence, nullity, or a starting point in counting, mathematics, and everyday usage.

   • There are zero errors in the final report.
   • She scored zero points in the first round.
   • Zero plus any number equals that number.
   • The temperature dropped to zero degrees Celsius.
   • He had zero reasons to decline the offer.

   🇨🇳基数词：数字0

2. Noun: the number, symbol, or concept of zero A2 formal

   A noun referring to the cardinal number zero; the numeral symbol 0; the concept of nothingness, nullity, or absence; in mathematics, the origin point on a number line or coordinate system; in sports, a score of nil or nothing.

   • The number zero revolutionized mathematics and computation.
   • Write the digit as a zero, not the letter O.
   • The team was shut out, ending with a zero on the scoreboard.
   • In binary code, zero represents the off state.
   • The concept of zero was developed independently in several ancient cultures.

   🇨🇳名词：零的数字、符号或概念

3. Adjective/Determiner: amounting to zero A1 formal

   Used attributively before a noun to indicate that the quantity or number of the noun is zero; modifies plural or singular countable nouns to specify null or absent quantity.

   • They recorded zero incidents during the safety audit.
   • We have zero tolerance for policy violations.
   • The experiment yielded zero detectable results.
   • She has zero experience in that field.
   • Zero emissions vehicles are becoming more common.

   🇨🇳数量为零的限定词/形容词

4. Pronoun: zero people or things (null plural) B1 formal

   Used as a pronoun to refer to zero previously mentioned or understood persons or things; takes singular or plural verb agreement depending on context; emphasizes complete absence.

   • Five hundred applied, but zero were selected for the pilot program.
   • I invited fifty guests; zero confirmed their attendance.
   • How many errors did you find? — Zero, the document is flawless.
   • Several hypotheses were tested, but zero proved statistically significant.
   • Of the samples analyzed, zero contained the target compound.

   🇨🇳代词：零个人或事物

• zeroth ordinal