null

A value showing that no usable information has been entered or stored.

• The database returned a null.
• These records contain nulls instead of birth dates.
• Replace each null with a suitable default value.

Similar words: null value, missing value

Common phrases: return a null, contain a null, replace a null

The idea tested in research that there is no real difference, effect, or connection.

• The results support the null.
• We rejected the null after analysing the data.
• Is this difference likely under the null?

Similar words: null hypothesis

Opposites: alternative hypothesis

Common phrases: reject the null, test the null, under the null

The number zero, or a sign showing that a set contains nothing.

• Here, a null means zero.
• The empty set is represented by a null.
• She read the decimal as null point six.

Similar words: zero

Common phrases: a null, null symbol

A sign or thing that has no meaning or effect.

• This symbol is a null.
• The extra characters were treated as nulls.
• In this system, a null has no effect on the message.

Similar words: nothing, nonentity

Common phrases: a mere null, insert a null, treat as null

Having no legal force, so it cannot be used or enforced.

• The contract is null and void.
• The court declared their marriage null.
• Any agreement signed under pressure may be null.

Similar words: invalid, void

Opposites: valid

Common phrases: null and void, declare something null, a null contract

To remove or cancel the effect of a force or signal, or set equipment back to zero.

• Null the meter before measuring.
• The circuit nulled the unwanted signal.
• Can these two forces null each other out?

How to use it: null out something (The device nulls out unwanted signals.)

Similar words: cancel out, neutralize, zero

Common phrases: null the signal, null out interference, null the meter