Countdown

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈkaʊntˌdaʊn/

Definitions

1. A reverse numerical sequence indicating the time left before an event takes place
2. The act of reciting numbers backward to signal an upcoming event and the preparation that accompanies this anticipation
3. A sequential counting backward leading to a specific moment ; the period of getting ready and anticipating an event's start

Etymology: "Countdown" is a plain compound of "count" and "down," and its sense of counting backward toward a set moment grew naturally out of both parts. "Count" comes from Latin "computare," "to reckon together," which reached English through Old French "conter," and "down" is an old Germanic word for a downward direction. Put together, they describe reckoning a quantity as it falls toward zero, a picture that suits launches, starts and deadlines equally well.

Synonyms: timer, counting down