μηδέν
midénneuter
The Greek word for zero is μηδέν (midén).
The term μηδέν is used as a cardinal number to denote the value of nothing.
Meaning: cardinal number before 1, denoting nothing (num)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
μηδέν is a neuter noun. In most mathematical contexts, it is used as an indeclinable number, meaning its form does not change.
How do you pronounce it?
midén
Did you know?
- The word μηδέν is the root of the English word 'nihilism', via the Latin 'nihil', which was a translation of the Greek concept of 'nothing'.
- Historically, Ancient Greek mathematics avoided the use of a symbol for zero, relying instead on the word μηδέν to describe an absence.
- The word μηδέν actually originates from the Ancient Greek word for 'not even one'.
Examples in context
- Μέτρα αντίστροφα από το δέκα στο μηδέν.Count from 10 down to zero.This sentence shows how to use μηδέν when counting backwards.Tatoeba #2429697 by mululatv, translation #73474 by CK
- Τώρα έχει δέκα βαθμούς κάτω απ'το μηδέν.It is ten degrees below zero now.This sentence demonstrates using μηδέν when referring to temperatures below zero.Tatoeba #3017273 by glavkos, translation #241851 by CK
- Μηδέν συν ένα κάνει ένα.Zero plus one makes one.This sentence illustrates a simple mathematical addition using μηδέν.Tatoeba #11161136 by carlosalberto, translation #11161135 by carlosalberto
- Το αποτέλεσμα της εξίσωσης είναι μηδέν.The result of the equation is zero.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nikos and Anastasia are checking the score of a football match.
- Νίκος NikosΠόσο είναι το σκορ στο ματς;Poso einai to skor sto mats?What is the score in the match?
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΕίναι μηδέν προς μηδέν ακόμα.Einai miden pros miden akoma.It is zero zero still.
- Νίκος NikosΔεν έχουν σκοράρει κανείς τους δύο;Den echoun skorari kaneis tous dyo?Neither of the two has scored?
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΌχι, παραμένει στο μηδέν.Ochi, paramenei sto miden.No, it remains at zero.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “zero” translations and entries μηδέν, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries μηδέν, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
