Entity: 0
The word '0' refers to the numerical value representing nothing or the absence of quantity. It is commonly used in mathematics and computer science to denote a neutral or null state.
0
Etymology
The word 'zero' came into the English language via French 'zéro' from the Italian 'zero', a contraction of the Venetian 'zevero' form of Italian 'zefiro' via ṣafira or ṣifr. In pre-Islamic times, the word ṣifr (Arabic صفر) had the meaning of 'nothing'.
Definition
'0' is a numerical symbol representing zero or nothingness, commonly used in mathematical computations and computer programming to denote a neutral or null state.
Historical Context
Historically, 'ought', 'aught', and 'cipher' have also been used as terms for zero. The concept of zero as a numerical placeholder originated in ancient civilizations such as the Babylonians and Mayans.
Cultural Significance
In slang, terms like 'zilch', 'zip', and 'nada' are sometimes used as informal expressions for zero. The number 0 has significant cultural importance as a symbol of emptiness or neutrality.
Related Concepts
In computer science, 'null' is used to represent an undefined state, while 'zero' represents the outcome of a mathematical computation. Sporting terms are also sometimes used as slang expressions for zero.
See Also
A numerical symbol representing zero or nothingness, often used in mathematical computations and computer programming.