nonzero

American  

[non-zeer-oh] / nɒnˈzɪər oʊ /

adjective

1. not equal to zero.

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nonzero Scientific  

/ nŏn-zîr′ō,-zē′rō /

1. Not equal to zero.

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Etymology

Origin of nonzero

First recorded in 1900–05; non- + zero

Example Sentences

“There is a nonzero probability that Canada’s sovereignty could be violated, and if Greenland’s sovereignty is violated, then we could be next,” said a Canadian lawmaker.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 21, 2026

“There’s always some nonzero chance that something doesn’t go your way,” Meininger says, even if the odds are near 100%.

From Barron's • Jan. 12, 2026

There’s a nonzero chance that viewers may be more inclined to analyze and compare “Die My Love” to its thematic acquaintances than they might normally be.

From Salon • Nov. 7, 2025

The widespread response to the video was to lampoon it, but presumably a nonzero fraction of the audience thought it was a good idea.

From Slate • Sep. 4, 2024

According to this theory of inflation, it is the nonzero zero-point energy that created the stars and galaxies.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife