Noun
zero grade (plural zero grades)
Alternative spelling of zero-grade
zero-grade (plural zero-grades)
(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/.
*bʰr- is the zero-grade of the Indo-European root *bʰer- meaning “to carry, bear”.
Synonym: (dated) vanishing grade
Coordinate terms: e-grade / full-grade, o-grade, lengthened grade
zero-grade
Varying subjunctives: *i: Athematic without suffix, with root ablaut reflecting PIE o-grade in active singular, zero-grade elsewhere. Source: Internet
This class shows root ablaut, with original e-grade (and palatalization of the initial root consonant) in the active singular, contrasting with zero-grade (and no palatalization) elsewhere. Source: Internet