Confusing Words Clarified Group X
xero-, zero, zero
xero- (ZIR oh)
A Greek combining form used in words meaning dry: "The Greek element xero- is used with several words referring to dry, dryness."
"One example of a word using xero- is xerosis which refers to a dryness, as of the skin, eyes, or mucous membranes."
zero (ZEE roh, ZIR oh), noun
1. The numeral or symbol 0, indicating the absence of quantity: "If 100 is subtracted from 100, it will obviously equal zero."
2. Nothing at all: "The medical researchers are striving to reduce the mortality rate to zero."
3. The point from which the graduation figures of a scale begins: "On the Celsius scale, zero (0?, is the temperature of melting ice, equivalent to 32?on the Fahrenheit scale."
4. A person who is not important, interesting, popular, etc.: "His new girlfriend is a real zero or loser."
zero (ZEE roh, ZIR oh), verb
1. To direct all of your attention to someone or something: "The scientists are trying to zero in on a cure for cancer."
2. To set a measuring device; such as, a scale so it reads 0: "Please zero the scale before you try to weigh the produce (potatoes, onions, etc.)."
3. To direct all of one's attention to someone or something: "Her teacher is trying to zero in on why the girl can't comprehend her simple math assignment."
Xerox, xerox
Xerox (ZIR ahks), noun
A trademark referring to a machine that makes paper copies of printed pages, pictures, etc. using the xerographic process: "We have a Xerox printer connected to the computer to make it readily available whenever we want to print pages of text and/or pictures."
"The company is so identified with its product that the term Xerox machine often refers to xerographic duplicators produced by other companies."
xerox (ZIR ahks), verb
To copy something; such as, a document by using a special machine called a copier: "Will you please xerox these forms for me."
"The verb term xeroxing has become synonymous with copying; however, the company does not condone nor in any way approve of using its trademark name as a verb, an adjective, or a noun."
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