(cryptography) An interactive method for one party to prove to another that a (usually mathematical) statement is true, without revealing anything other than the veracity of the statement.

(game theory) A game (or a similar political or economic system) in which the gains of some players must equal the losses of others.

(physics, quantum mechanics) The lowest possible energy of a given quantum mechanical system.

(finance) A bond (e.g., corporate debenture or government debt) that has no coupon (i.e., pays no interest), during the life of the issue. Such a bond is initially sold at a discount to its face value. The rate of return to the holder is derived from the gradual appreciation as the security moves toward maturity.

(military) A technique in which the first motion of the missile or aircraft removes it from the launcher. Normally, such a launch occurs before the missile fuel or aircraft engine is fired.

(surveying) An optimal network design within a computer. It involves choosing an optimal reference system and revolving it around a certain real number.

(mathematics, informal) Bijective numeration in base ten.

(management) A budget developed disregarding the expenses or costs of the prior year, requiring explicit justification for all expenditures.

(finance) A promissory note that pays at maturity the value of the note with no separate interest payments, the effective interest arising from the discounted purchase price.

plural of zero-based budget