zero-point energy

[ zeer-oh-point ]
/ ˈzɪər oʊˌpɔɪnt /

noun Physics.

energy in a substance at the temperature of absolute zero.

Origin of zero-point energy

First recorded in 1930–35

Scientific definitions for zero-point energy

zero-point energy

The irreducible minimum energy possessed by a physical system, as of a substance at a temperature of absolute zero. The zero point energy of a vacuum is not zero due to vacuum fluctuations. See Note at absolute zero.