touchdown
n.-
1 aircraft landing (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Sciencethe exact moment when an aircraft or spacecraft touches the ground during landing.
the moment at which an aircraft or spacecraft makes initial contact with the landing surface.
ExampleThe passengers cheered at the moment of touchdown after the long flight.
ExampleMission control confirmed a successful touchdown on the lunar surface at exactly 04:00 UTC, following a complex descent sequence.
UsageOften used as an uncountable noun to describe the event generally.
- takeoff
- liftoff
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2 American football score (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate American English Sporta way of scoring six points in American football by carrying the ball into the end of the field.
a scoring play in American or Canadian football worth six points, achieved by advancing the ball into the opponent's end zone.
ExampleThe star player scored a touchdown in the final minute to win the game.
ExampleThe quarterback's precision pass allowed the wide receiver to secure a touchdown, effectively sealing the championship victory for the home team.
UsageCommonly used with the verb 'score'.
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3 tornado contact (n.) C1 Advanced Technical Sciencethe moment a tornado touches the ground.
the point at which a funnel cloud makes physical contact with the earth's surface.
ExampleThe news reported a tornado touchdown just outside the small town.
ExampleMeteorologists tracked the storm's path, noting the exact coordinates of touchdown where the most significant structural damage occurred.
UsageTypically used in meteorological reports or news coverage of storms.
From touch + down.