Just as the word empty is saying that something is of volume zero I wonder if there is a word that says that something is of length zero or has a duration of zero.
Sample Sentence:
The program should terminate if the calculated period is _______.
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I'd use "instantaneous", for zero duration.– Hot LicksFeb 6, 2017 at 12:22
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1You could re-work your sentence to read: "The program should terminate if the calculated period evaluates to zero.", replacing is with evaluates to.– bvpxFeb 6, 2017 at 22:45
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2What's wrong with saying that the period is zero if that's what the calculation yielded?– LawrenceFeb 7, 2017 at 8:33
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I am not sure that the recent edit has really improved the question. The reference to playback implies that what is sought is a technical term that is to be used in some highly specific context; the original version of the question was much more general. The question should be reopened anyway.– jsw29Feb 26, 2023 at 16:13
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"Empty" doesn't mean "volume zero."– alphabetFeb 26, 2023 at 20:42
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4 Answers
Well, you can just use zero in this particular case. The beauty of zero is that units don't matter; zero seconds is the same as zero years.
A related word is instantaneous:
done, occurring, or acting without any perceptible duration of time
(source: Merriam-Webster)
but you wouldn't use it in this sample sentence.
answered Feb 6, 2017 at 9:34
"O-length" and "zero-length" are profusely used in mathematics and physics textbooks, which would suggest that a better word is still to be found. Sorry.
P.S.: The term "null" is quite popular but I'm not sure that it has a legitimate place in non-tech literature.
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See this question regarding whether zero and null perfect synonyms: english.stackexchange.com/questions/3161/…– k1eranFeb 6, 2017 at 9:57
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Personally I don't think they are but a thorough discussion would bring us deep into mathematical philosophy. The doubt is rather whether "null" (in English) is an accepted word in non-geek talk.– user218421Feb 6, 2017 at 10:31
Zero works as already pointed out. If you want to avoid it for some reason, you can use nil. A lesser used synonym is zilch.
The program should terminate if the calculated period is nil.
M-W:
nil noun
: nothing, zero
They took a 2 to nil lead in the second half of the game.
zilch adjective or noun
: zero, nothing
answered Feb 7, 2017 at 8:27
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The OP’s sample sentence seems to be fairly formal; e.g., it could come from a system specification or requirements document. The word “nil” strikes me as informal; “zilch” even more so. P.S. I am American; are these words considered more formal in Br.E? Jul 24, 2017 at 18:11
There is word that fits your definition, although it doesn't fit your example sentence.
adjective
indefinitely or exceedingly small; minute: infinitesimal vessels in the circulatory system.
immeasurably small; less than an assignable quantity: to an infinitesimal degree.
of, relating to, or involving infinitesimals.
noun
an infinitesimal quantity.
Mathematics. a variable having zero as a limit.
answered Feb 7, 2017 at 6:42
