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nonzero

American  
[non-zeer-oh] / nɒnˈzɪər oʊ /

adjective

  1. not equal to zero.


nonzero Scientific  
/ nŏn-zîrō,-zērō /
  1. Not equal to zero.


Etymology

Origin of nonzero

First recorded in 1900–05; non- + zero

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

“There is a nonzero probability that Canada’s sovereignty could be violated, and if Greenland’s sovereignty is violated, then we could be next,” said a Canadian lawmaker.

From The Wall Street Journal Jan. 21, 2026

“There’s always some nonzero chance that something doesn’t go your way,” Meininger says, even if the odds are near 100%.

From Barron's Jan. 12, 2026

There’s a nonzero chance that viewers may be more inclined to analyze and compare “Die My Love” to its thematic acquaintances than they might normally be.

From Salon Nov. 7, 2025

The standard model assumes the field interacts with itself in a particular way that ensures its energy is lowest when, instead of vanishing, it has some nonzero strength.

From Science Magazine Mar. 27, 2024

Newton disliked infinitesimals, the little os in his fluxion equations that sometimes acted like zeros and sometimes like nonzero numbers.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife

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