zs

zs

1. (metrology) Symbol for the zeptosecond, an SI unit of time equal to 10⁻²¹ seconds.

zs pl (plural only)

1. plural of z
2. Alternative form of z's (sleep)

   It's getting late: it's time to catch some zs.

• There is some difference of opinion regarding the use of apostrophes in the pluralization of references to letters as symbols. New Fowler's Modern English Usage, after noting that the usage has changed, states on page 602 that "after letters an apostrophe is obligatory." The 15th edition of The Chicago Manual of Style states in paragraph 7.16, "To avoid confusion, lowercase letters ... form the plural with an apostrophe and an s". The Oxford Style Manual on page 116 advocates the use of common sense.

• zzzs