also: れいいんし
zero divisor; null factor; nil factor
Mathematical term for a nonzero element that multiplies with another nonzero element to give zero. Used in ring theory.
In a commutative ring, if there are no zero divisors, the ring is called an integral domain.
In matrix rings, there are many matrices that become zero divisors.
Standard kanji form; the reading れいいんし is the most common for this mathematical term.
Alternate reading using ゼロ for 零; less common but understood in mathematical contexts.
Compound of 零 (zero) and 因子 (factor). A direct translation of the English mathematical term 'zero divisor'.