Pronunciation: [zˈɛtə] (IPA) 
The word "zeta" is a Greek letter that is commonly used in mathematics and science. In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the spelling of "zeta" is /ˈzɛtə/. The first sound is a voiced "z" sound, followed by a short /ɛ/ vowel sound, and ending with a "tuh" sound /tə/. While the spelling of "zeta" may look unfamiliar to some, its pronunciation is fairly straightforward for those who are familiar with IPA symbols.
Zeta is a noun that has multiple meanings and usages in different contexts. In mathematics, zeta refers to the Zeta function, a complex function denoted by the Greek uppercase letter ζ (zeta) that is defined for complex numbers. It has various applications in number theory and mathematical physics, such as the study of prime numbers and the behavior of quantum systems.
In the Greek alphabet, zeta is the sixth letter, represented as ζ (uppercase) or as ζ (lowercase). It is commonly transliterated into the Roman alphabet as "z".
Additionally, zeta is occasionally used in the English language to refer to a person who is considered to be the last in a series or ranking. For example, one might say that someone is the "zeta employee" or the "zeta team member," indicating that they are the final member or the least important among a group or organization. This usage is less common and more informal than the mathematical or Greek alphabet definition.
In summary, zeta primarily has two main definitions: as a mathematical function denoted by the Greek letter ζ, and as the sixth letter of the Greek alphabet. Additionally, it can occasionally have informal use to refer to the final or least important member of a group or organization.
The word "zeta" originates from the Greek letter "ζ" (zeta). The Greek letter itself was derived from the Phoenician letter "zayin", which meant "weapon" or "sword". The Phoenician letter was based on the Egyptian hieroglyph representing a "club" or "weapon". Over time, the Phoenician "zayin" developed into the Greek "zeta", retaining a similar shape. The name "zeta" comes from the Greek word "dzēta", which was how they pronounced the letter in the 6th century BCE.
