null

[nuhl]

adjective

1. without value, effect, consequence, or significance.

2. being or amounting to nothing; nil; lacking; nonexistent.

3. Mathematics.,  (of a set)

   1. empty.

   2. of measure zero.

4. being or amounting to zero.

noun

1. Electronics.,  a point of minimum signal reception, as on a radio direction finder or other electronic meter.

verb (used with object)

1. to cancel; make null.

null

/ nʌl /

adjective

1. without legal force; invalid; (esp in the phrase null and void )

2. without value or consequence; useless

3. lacking distinction; characterless

   a null expression

4. nonexistent; amounting to nothing

5. maths

   1. quantitatively zero

   2. relating to zero

   3. (of a set) having no members

   4. (of a sequence) having zero as a limit

6. physics involving measurement in which an instrument has a zero reading, as with a Wheatstone bridge

null

1. Of or relating to a set having no members or to zero magnitude.

Word History and Origins

Origin of null¹

1555–65; < Latin nūllus, equivalent to n ( e ) not + ūllus any

Word History and Origins

Origin of null¹

C16: from Latin nullus none, from ne not + ullus any

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. null and void, without legal force or effect; not valid.

   This contract is null and void.

Example Sentences

He has urged his supporters to null their vote.

From BBC

The legislation mandated that Congress must act upon a rescission request within 45 days or it was null, and historically, a lot of them never saw the light of day.

From Salon

Rather than respect the plain language of the order, Bondi’s strategy is to play games to either render the ruling null or to challenge the court’s authority.

From Salon

“In the case of basketball, if the player enters the transfer portal, the deal is null and void,” Zito said.

From Salon

Under Yukon law, a newly- elected official must take it within 40 days of their election or else their win “shall be considered null”.

From BBC

Related Words

• ineffective 
• inoperative 
• invalid 
• unreal 
• worthless