zero-grade

English

Alternative forms

• zero grade

Etymology

From zero +‎ grade, as in gradation (“apophony”). Possibly after German Nullstufe.

Noun

zero-grade (plural zero-grades)

1. (Indo-European linguistics) In Proto-Indo-European linguistics, an ablaut form of a root characterized by the absence of the basic ablauting vowel phonemes */e/ and */o/.

   Synonym: (dated) vanishing grade

   Coordinate terms: e-grade / full-grade, o-grade, lengthened grade

   *bʰr̥- is the zero-grade of the Indo-European root *bʰer- meaning “to carry, bear”.

Translations

Translations

• Danish: nultrin n
• Dutch: nultrap (nl) m
• German: Schwundstufe f, Nullstufe f