zero-point energy

[zeer-oh-point]

noun

Physics.

1. energy in a substance at the temperature of absolute zero.

zero-point energy

1. The irreducible minimum energy possessed by a physical system, as of a substance at a temperature of absolute zero. The zero point energy of a vacuum is not zero due to vacuum fluctuations.

2. See Note at absolute zero

Word History and Origins

Origin of zero-point energy¹

First recorded in 1930–35