Confusing Words Clarified: Group X; Homonyms, Homophones, Homographs, Synonyms, Polysemes, etc. +

(lists of "X" sections that are organized into what for some people are confusing groups of words)

If you have any problems understanding the pronunciation symbols, go to this Pronunciation Chart for clarifications.

xero-, zero, zero
xero- (ZIR oh) (prefix)
A Greek combining form used in words meaning dry: "The Greek element xero- is used with several words referring to dry, dryness."

"One example of a word using xero- is xerosis which refers to a dryness, as of the skin, eyes, or mucous membranes."

zero (ZEE roh, ZIR oh) (noun)
1. The numeral or symbol 0, indicating the absence of quantity: "If 100 is subtracted from 100, it will obviously equal zero."
2. Nothing at all: "The medical researchers are striving to reduce the mortality rate to zero."
3. The point from which the graduation figures of a scale begins: "On the Celsius scale, zero (0°), is the temperature of melting ice, equivalent to 32° on the Fahrenheit scale."
4. A person who is not important, interesting, popular, etc.: "Wiley's new girlfriend is a real zero (loser)."
zero (ZEE roh, ZIR oh) (verb)
1. To direct all of a person's attention to someone or something: "The scientists are trying to zero in on a cure for cancer."

"The math teacher is trying to zero in on why Gina can't comprehend her simple math assignment."

2. To set a measuring device; such as, a scale so it reads 0: "Please zero the scale before you try to weigh the produce (potatoes, onions, etc.)."

The new skin cream had zero effect on the xerosis on his hands; so, he had to go see the dermatologist for a different prescription.

Xerox, xerox
Xerox (ZIR ahks) (noun)
A trademark referring to a machine that makes paper copies of printed pages, pictures, etc. using the xerographic process: "Alvin's office has a Xerox printer connected to the computer to make it readily available whenever he wants to print pages of text and/or pictures."

"The company is so identified with its product that the term Xerox machine often refers to xerographic duplicators produced by other companies."

xerox (ZIR ahks) (verb)
To copy something; such as, a document by using a special machine called a copier: "Will you please xerox these forms for me."

"The verb term xeroxing has become synonymous with copying; however, the company does not condone nor in any way approve of using its trademark name as a verb, an adjective, or a noun."

The clerk's boss asked him to go to the Xerox store to buy the special paper on which to xerox the report for the Annual General Meeting tomorrow.

Pointing to explanation of homonyms, homophones, and homographs, etc. Confusing Words: Homonyms, Homophones, and Homographs; explained and demonstrated.

Pointing back to Confusing Words Quizzes, Part AConfusing Words: Units, Groups A to Z.

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