ground zero

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ground ze·ro • n. [in sing.] the point on the earth's surface directly above or below an exploding nuclear bomb. ∎  the site of the former World Trade Center in New York City in the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. ∎ fig. a starting point or base for some activity: if you're starting at ground zero in terms of knowledge, go to the library.

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