Dictionary

ground zero

noun

: the point on the earth's surface directly above, below, or at which an explosion (especially a nuclear explosion) occurs

: the central point in an area of fast change or intense activity

: the beginning state or starting point

Full Definition of GROUND ZERO

1
:  the point directly above, below, or at which a nuclear explosion occurs
2
:  the center or origin of rapid, intense, or violent activity or change; broadly :  center 2a <the party town that served as ground zero for those corporate … bashes — Rich Eisen>
3
:  the very beginning :  square one
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First Known Use of GROUND ZERO

1946

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