zero degree vs zero degrees

Both 'zero degree' and 'zero degrees' can be correct depending on the context. 'Zero degree' is used when referring to a specific point or measurement, while 'zero degrees' is used when talking about a temperature scale or a general concept of zero degrees. The choice between singular and plural depends on the specific usage.

Last updated: March 22, 2024

zero degree

This phrase is correct when referring to a specific point or measurement.

Use 'zero degree' when talking about a specific point or measurement that is at zero degrees.

Examples:

The thermometer showed zero degree Celsius.
The angle between the two lines was zero degree.

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In no field of human activity have we ever discovered a zero degree of pollution.
I would lastly like to refer to the amendments on dangerous substances which establish that we must achieve a zero, or close to zero, degree of pollution.
It is not a "degree zero of writing", but its overturning.
It runs on superconducting circuits that are cooled to within a few thousands of a degree of absolute zero.
Trade is currently liberalised to a high degree in this sector: approximately 95 % of the EU imports of flowers and live plants are realised with zero duty.
The rapporteur nevertheless acknowledges and recommends an appropriate degree of flexibility, which is necessary if we are to use public policies as instruments of economic recovery, without making the zero deficit in 2004 an obsession that is disproportionate to today's reality.
If the resulting polynomial degree is greater than 3, the number of calibration points (zero included) must be at least equal to this polynomial degree plus 2.
If the resulting polynomial degree is greater than three, the number of calibration points (zero included) must be at least equal to this polynomial degree plus two.
But that's blazing hot when contrasted with the 450-degree-below-zero temperature of space.
The brakes are put on light speed inside Hau's lab... by focusing lasers on two microscopic clouds of sodium gas... chilled to a few billionths of a degree above absolute zero.
These financial markets are to such a large degree interdependent that issues such as, for instance, irrevocability of transfer instructions and the abolition of the zero-hour rule cannot and should not be dealt with for payment systems in isolation.
The calibration curve must be calculated by the method of least squares. If the resulting polynomial degree is greater than 3, the number of calibration points (zero included) must be at least equal to this polynomial degree plus 2.
We turned off the lights, and then we put it in a vacuum and sucked out all the air, and then we cooled it down to just a fraction of a degree above absolute zero.
If the resulting polynomial degree is greater than 3, the number of calibration points (zero included) must be at least equal to this polynomial degree plus 2.
If the resulting polynomial degree is greater than 3, the number of calibration points (zero included) must be at least equal to this polynomial degree plus 2.

Alternatives:

zero degrees

zero degrees

This phrase is correct when talking about a temperature scale or a general concept of zero degrees.

Use 'zero degrees' when referring to a temperature scale or when discussing zero degrees in a general sense.