zero-point energy

American  

[zeer-oh-point] / ˈzɪər oʊˌpɔɪnt /

noun

Physics.

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

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zero-point energy Scientific  

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

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Etymology

Origin of zero-point energy

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

A zero in quantum mechanics means that the entire universe—including the vacuum—is filled with an infinite amount of energy: the zero-point energy.

From Literature

Perhaps the weirdest of all is caused by a zero in the equations of quantum mechanics: the zero-point energy.

From Literature

This is the zero-point energy, an infinity in the formulas of quantum theory.

From Literature

Interpreted strictly, the zero-point energy is limitless.

From Literature

The zero-point energy is no different; most scientists ignore it completely.

From Literature