nought etymology

Etymology

The word "nought" has its origins in the Old English word "nawiht," which originally meant "nothing." It is related to the Proto-Germanic word "*nawïhtaz," which also meant "nothing."

Meaning

"Nought" has three primary meanings:

1. Zero: The number 0, which represents the absence of quantity or value.
2. Nothing: A complete lack of anything; nonexistence.
3. Insignificant or worthless thing: Something of no value or importance.

Origin

The concept of zero and the word "nought" developed over time through several cultures:

• Babylonian System: The Babylonians developed a place-value numeral system that used a symbol for zero. This symbol was a blank space between the cuneiform symbols representing the digits.
• Indian Civilization: Indian mathematicians developed the concept of the zero as a placeholder digit in their numeral system around the 5th century CE. They used the symbol "śūnya," meaning "empty."
• Arabic System: Indian mathematicians introduced their numeral system, including the zero, to the Arabs through trade and cultural exchange. The Arabs adopted the word "sifr" for zero, which was derived from "śūnya."
• Europe: The concept of zero and the word "nought" were transmitted to Europe through Arabic texts and translations. The word "nought" entered the English language in the late 13th century.

nought relate terms

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• dread

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• nought

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• ought

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• nought

  Etymology The word nought has its origins in the Old English word nawiht which origi

• aught

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