nollapiste

Nollapiste is a Finnish term meaning "zero point." It denotes a reference value on a scale or datum from which other measurements are taken. The word is formed from nolla (zero) and piste (point), and its usage is domain-dependent, though the core idea is consistent: a defined starting or zero value.

In metrology and instrumentation, nollapiste refers to the zero setting or reference mark used for calibration. Instruments are adjusted so that they read zero under defined conditions, providing a baseline for accurate measurements. For example, a scale should show zero when empty, and a voltmeter should indicate zero in the absence of a test voltage.

In physics, the term appears in connection with zero-point concepts. Zero-point energy describes the lowest possible energy of a quantum system, existing even at absolute zero, while absolute zero itself represents the lower limit of the thermodynamic temperature scale (0 Kelvin, −273.15°C). In everyday language, these ideas may be described with variants of “zero point,” and the exact meaning depends on the physical context.

In mathematics and geography, the zero point can refer to the origin of a coordinate system or to a baseline used for comparisons. This use aligns with the broader concept of a reference point that defines where measurements start.

See also: zero, baseline, origin, calibration, zero point.