zero-point energy, n.

zero-point-energy
http://www.oed.com/dictionary/zero-point-energy_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_use
Revised 2018

# zero-point energynoun

## Factsheet

### What does the noun zero-point energy mean?

There is one meaning in OED's entry for the noun zero-point energy. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definition, usage, and quotation evidence.

### Where does the noun zero-point energy come from?

Earliest known use

1910s

The earliest known use of the noun zero-point energy is in the 1910s.

OED's earliest evidence for zero-point energy is from 1913, in Proceedings 3rd International Congr. Refrigeration.

### Nearby entries

1. zero-length, adj. 1945–
2. zero-line, n. 1834–
3. zero magnet, n. 1890–
4. zero mark, n. 1821–
5. zero meridian, n. 1849–
6. zero norm, n. 1966–
7. zero option, n. 1976–
8. zero-order, adj. 1919–
9. zero plane, n. 1842–
10. zero point, n. 1789–
11. zero-point energy, n.1913–
12. zero population growth, n. 1955–
13. zero post, n. 1908–
14. zero-power, adj. 1950–
15. zero-rate, v. 1972–
16. zero-rated, adj. 1972–
17. zero rating, n. 1971–
18. zero sound, n. 1957–
19. zero-sum, adj. 1944–
20. zeroth, adj. 1850–
21. zero tillage, n. 1963–

## Meaning & use

Physics.

1. 1913–
   (In quantum mechanics) the minimum energy possessed by a physical system at a temperature of absolute zero.
   1. 1913

      > Planek's [sic] theory of radiation.., in which the vibrators have a zero-point energy, received firm support from an unexpected source.

      Proceedings 3rd International Congr. Refrigeration vol. 2 126 (note)
   2. 1935

      > According to the classical theory, the state of least energy of an oscillator is that of zero energy. According to wave mechanics, however, the ground state has a finite energy E = ½hv0... This zero-point energy can be explained by Heisenberg's uncertainty principle.

      J. Dougall, translation of M. Born, Atomic Physics 339
   3. 1952

      > Even in the lowest allowed vibrational state there still remains the zero-point energy of vibration.

      C. A. Coulson, Valence i. 11
   4. 2007

      > Quantum mechanics implies that there is a minimum sum of kinetic and potential energies that can be achieved: both cannot simultaneously be zero. This minimum amount is the zero point energy of the atomic assembly.

      F. Close, Nothing: Very Short Introd. (2009) vii. 100
   particle physics
   1. horsepower 1806–
      The power or rate of work of a horse in drawing; (hence in Mechanics) a conventional unit for measuring the rate of work of a prime motor…
   2. foot-pound 1847–
      a. A unit of energy equal to the energy required to raise a weight of one pound by a height of one foot (now chiefly U.S.); b. a unit of torque or…
   3. foot-ton 1860–
      A unit of energy, defined as the amount of energy necessary to raise a ton of mass a foot in height.
   4. kilogrammetre 1866–
      The quantity of energy required to raise a weight of one kilogram to the height of one metre.
   5. erg 1873–
      A unit of work or energy; the amount of work done when a force of one dyne moves its point of application one centimetre in the direction of the…
   6. kilerg 1873–
      A measure of work in the centimetre-gramme-second system, equal to a thousand ergs.
   7. surface energy 1876–
      The excess energy per unit area associated with the surface of a liquid or solid as compared with the bulk material.
   8. foot-poundal 1877–
      A unit of work or energy, defined as the work done by a poundal of force acting through a distance of one foot.
   9. indicated horsepower 1881–
      With qualifying words, esp. brake horsepower n. the power available at the shaft of an engine, measurable by means of a brake; indicated horsepower n.…
   10. metre-ton 1881
       The amount of energy required to raise a ton through a height of one metre.
   11. joule 1882–
       A unit of electrical energy equal to the amount of work done by a current of one ampere acting for one second against a resistance of one ohm. In…
   12. watt-hour 1883–
       A unit of energy equal to that produced in one hour by a power of one watt (equal to 3600 joules); symbol Wh.
   13. manpower 1893–
       Human energy; the power or agency of a person expending energy. Formerly also: a unit or rate of power, variously reckoned as between an eighth and a…
   14. horsepower-hour 1899–
       A unit representing the work performed or energy consumed in working at the rate of one horsepower for one hour.
   15. horse 1904–
       Colloquial abbreviation of horsepower, n.
   16. zero-point energy 1913–
       (In quantum mechanics) the minimum energy possessed by a physical system at a temperature of absolute zero.
   View in Historical Thesaurus

Originally published as part of the entry for zero point, n.

zero point, n. was revised in June 2018.