Absolute zero

Absolute zero
Zero e"ro, n.; pl. {Zeros}or {Zeroes}. [F. z['e]ro, from Ar. [,c]afrun, [,c]ifrun, empty, a cipher. Cf. {Cipher}.] [1913 Webster] 1. (Arith.) A cipher; nothing; naught. [1913 Webster]

2. The point from which the graduation of a scale, as of a thermometer, commences. [1913 Webster]

Note: Zero in the Centigrade, or Celsius thermometer, and in the R['e]aumur thermometer, is at the point at which water congeals. The zero of the Fahrenheit thermometer is fixed at the point at which the mercury stands when immersed in a mixture of snow and common salt. In Wedgwood's pyrometer, the zero corresponds with 1077[deg] on the Fahrenheit scale. See Illust. of {Thermometer}. [1913 Webster]

3. Fig.: The lowest point; the point of exhaustion; as, his patience had nearly reached zero. [1913 Webster]

{Absolute zero}. See under {Absolute}.

{Zero method} (Physics), a method of comparing, or measuring, forces, electric currents, etc., by so opposing them that the pointer of an indicating apparatus, or the needle of a galvanometer, remains at, or is brought to, zero, as contrasted with methods in which the deflection is observed directly; -- called also {null method}.

{Zero point}, the point indicating zero, or the commencement of a scale or reckoning. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Absolute zero — Absolute Ab so*lute, a. [L. absolutus, p. p. of absolvere: cf. F. absolu. See {Absolve}.] 1. Loosed from any limitation or condition; uncontrolled; unrestricted; unconditional; as, absolute authority, monarchy, sovereignty, an absolute promise or …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Absolute Zero — Éditeur Eidos Interactive Développeur Domark Dat …   Wikipédia en Français

  • absolute zero — the idea dates back to 1702 and its general value was guessed to within a few degrees soon thereafter, but not precisely discovered until Lord Kelvin s work in 1848. It was known by many names, e.g. infinite cold, absolute cold, natural zero of… …   Etymology dictionary

  • absolute zero — ► NOUN ▪ the lowest temperature theoretically possible (zero kelvins, 273.15°C) …   English terms dictionary

  • absolute zero — n a theoretical temperature characterized by complete absence of heat and equivalent to exactly 273.15°C or 459.67°F * * * the lowest possible temperature, designated as 0 on the Kelvin or Rankine scale; by definition this is equivalent to… …   Medical dictionary

  • absolute zero — n [U] the lowest temperature that is believed to be possible …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • absolute zero — noun uncount 273ºC or 460ºF, the lowest temperature that is possible in theory …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • absolute zero — n. the temperature at which matter has no heat and its molecules are completely still; theoretically, the lowest possible temperature: equal to about 273.16°C or about 459.69°F or 0°K …   English World dictionary

  • Absolute zero — For other uses, see Absolute Zero (disambiguation). Absolute zero is the theoretical temperature at which entropy reaches its minimum value. The laws of thermodynamics state that absolute zero cannot be reached using only thermodynamic means. A… …   Wikipedia

  • absolute zero — the temperature of 273.16°C ( 459.69°F), the hypothetical point at which all molecular activity ceases. * * * Temperature at which a thermodynamic system (see thermodynamics) has the lowest energy, 0 kelvin (K). It corresponds to 459.67°F (… …   Universalium

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