Noughts, a noun, is the plural form of "nought." The term "nought" has multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used.
One definition of "nought" refers to the digit zero (0), particularly in the British English usage. It is often used as a mathematical symbol denoting a number's place value indicating the absence of any quantity. For instance, it is used in decimal notation to represent a null value, or in counting patterns to symbolize an empty set.
"Naughts" is another variant spelling of "noughts," which is commonly used in American English. It is often spelled as "zeros" in American English to indicate the absence of numeric value.
Additionally, "nought" can be used in a broader sense to describe a total absence, worthlessness, or insignificance. In this context, it carries a figurative meaning often associated with disappointment or lack of progress. For example, describing an attempt or effort as coming to "nought" means it has resulted in failure or achieved no desired outcome.
Furthermore, in some contexts, "noughts" can also refer to a specific pattern or arrangement of zeros or circular shapes used in various games or puzzles, particularly in the form of a grid or matrix.
Overall, the term "noughts" encompasses various meanings related to zero, absence, disappointment, and patterns, depending on the particular usage and context.
