cero: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Technical (meteorology, fishing), Standard (numerical), Informal (as 'zilch', 'nothing').
Quick answer
What does “cero” mean?
The number zero.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The number zero; the digit 0; a null quantity or amount.
In meteorological contexts, a colloquial term for a tropical fish (Scomberomorus regalis), also called cero mackerel or king mackerel. A starting point or baseline level. A complete absence or nonentity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Virtually none for the number. For the fish, the term is more likely to be encountered in US English (especially Florida/Caribbean regions) and less common in UK English, where 'king mackerel' or related names are preferred.
Connotations
Neutral for number. For the fish, it may carry a local or specialist connotation.
Frequency
As a number, extremely high frequency. As the fish, very low frequency, appearing mainly in technical or regional texts.
Grammar
How to Use “cero” in a Sentence
[subject] is/lies at cero[verb] something to ceroa temperatura of cero [unit]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cero” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They decided to zero the budget for that department.
- She carefully zeroed the scales before weighing.
American English
- The investigator zeroed in on the key piece of evidence.
- The mechanic zeroed out the calibration.
adverb
British English
- (Rarely used as a pure adverb) The temperature fell zero degrees in an hour.
American English
- (Rarely used as a pure adverb) His patience was zero percent effective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
'The project's budget was cut to cero.' (Meaning: eliminated entirely)
Academic
'The control group showed cero instances of the reaction.' (Meaning: none, used in data reporting)
Everyday
'I have cero idea where I left my keys.' (Informal, emphatic for 'no')
Technical
'The Cero is a fast-swimming pelagic predator found in the western Atlantic.' (Marine biology)
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cero”
- Spelling confusion: 'zero' is the standard spelling; 'cero' is a rare variant or a specific term for a fish. Incorrectly using 'cero' for the number in general contexts is a spelling error.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
For the number, 'zero' is the overwhelmingly standard spelling. 'Cero' is an archaic or very rare variant. However, 'cero' is the accepted spelling for the specific type of mackerel fish.
'Zero' is standard in mathematics and general use. 'Nought' (UK) or 'naught' (US) is common for the digit '0', especially in saying numbers like '0.5' ('nought point five'). 'Nil' is primarily used in sports scores (e.g., 'The match ended three-nil').
The verb form is almost exclusively from 'zero', not 'cero'. It means to set a measuring instrument to zero ('zero the scales') or to focus intently ('zero in on a target').
As a spelling for the number, it is extremely uncommon and considered incorrect in modern English. As the name for the fish, it is a low-frequency, specialized term known mainly in relevant professional or regional circles.
The number zero.
Cero is usually technical (meteorology, fishing), standard (numerical), informal (as 'zilch', 'nothing'). in register.
Cero: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪərəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪroʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “From cero to hero”
- “Ground cero”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a HERO starting from CERO. This links the sound and the common phrase 'from zero to hero'.
Conceptual Metaphor
ZERO IS A STARTING POINT (e.g., 'start from zero'). ZERO IS NOTHING/EMPTINESS (e.g., 'zero hope'). ZERO IS A BOUNDARY/LIMIT (e.g., 'absolute zero').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'cero' most likely to refer to a fish?