year zero

British  

noun

1. the beginning (1975) of the period during which Cambodia was under the control of the Khmer Rouge

2. the beginning of revolutionary change

3. the beginning of any new system or regime

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Etymology

Origin of year zero

C20: by analogy with Year One of the French Revolutionary calendar

Example Sentences

For those most bullish on rates, consider the Pimco 25+ Year Zero Coupon U.S.

From Barron's

“We’re going to start every American on a compounding journey from year zero,” Gerstner said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Ground source heat pumps are one of several solutions the UK government is looking at to meet its target of making all new homes built from this year "zero carbon-ready".

From BBC

The number of new, half-hour shows from the BBC so far this year: zero.

From BBC

"Punk rock was like year zero for us," picks up Bono.

From BBC