—n.
1 a a secret or disguised way of writing. b a thing written in this way. c the key to it.
2 the arithmetical symbol (0) denoting no amount but used to occupy a vacant place in decimal etc. numeration (as in 12.05).
3 a person or thing of no importance.
4 the interlaced initials of a person or company etc.; a monogram.
5 any Arabic numeral.
6 continuous sounding of an organ-pipe, caused by a mechanical defect.
—v.
1 tr. put into secret writing, encipher.
2 a tr. (usu. foll. by out) work out by arithmetic, calculate. b intr. archaic do arithmetic.
Etymology: ME, f. OF cif(f)re, ult. f. Arab sifr ZERO
Useful english dictionary. 2012.