'Zero method' definitions:

Definition of 'Zero method'

From: GCIDE
  • Zero \Ze"ro\, n.; pl. Zerosor 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] [1913 Webster]