zero error

[ˈzɪroʊ ˈɛrər]
nounpl: zero errors
erro zero
1. The error in a measuring instrument when no measurement is being taken, or the reading when the true value is zero. In measurement and instrumentation, it refers to the systematic error that exists at the starting point of measurement.
The scale showed a zero error of 0.5 grams, meaning we had to subtract this value from all subsequent measurements.
A balança apresentava um erro zero de 0,5 gramas, o que significava que tínhamos que subtrair esse valor de todas as medições subsequentes.
2. In metrology and scientific measurement, the discrepancy between the true zero value and the actual reading displayed by an instrument when nothing is being measured.
Before calibrating the thermometer, the technician checked for zero error by verifying the reading at freezing point.
Antes de calibrar o termômetro, o técnico verificou o erro zero confirmando a leitura no ponto de congelamento.
Zero error is a technical term primarily used in scientific, educational, and industrial contexts in both Brazil and the USA. It is particularly important in physics laboratories, engineering measurements, and quality control processes. In Brazilian educational institutions, especially in high school and university physics courses, understanding and correcting zero error is a fundamental concept taught when introducing measurement techniques.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
instrumental errorinitial errorbaseline errorsystematic errorcalibration error
Antonyms / Antônimos
accuracyprecisiontrue value

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
erro zero
Standard term used in scientific and technical contexts in Brazil
São Paulo
erro zero / erro de calibração inicial
Both terms are used in academic and industrial settings
Portugal
erro zero
Same terminology used in Portuguese scientific community
Technical English
erro de ponto zero / erro de origem
More specific technical terms used in measurement standards

Related Words

calibrationmeasurementinstrument errorsystematic erroraccuracyprecisiontolerance

Related Idioms & Phrases

zero error adjustment
zero error correction
account for zero error
correct for zero error
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