T-minus
Rocket launch countdown
T-minus designates the countdown time remaining before a scheduled event, borrowed from NASA's launch terminology where T represents the target time of liftoff.
We're at T-minus ten seconds and counting.
The term has spread well beyond rocketry into everyday speech for any anticipated moment: T-minus two days until vacation.
At T-minus zero, the event occurs.
Set into motion
- liftoffMoment of ascent
- countdownBackward enumeration to zero
- rocketPropulsion-driven spacecraft
- NASAFederal space exploration bureau
mission · sequence · ignition · seconds · blast-off · hold · abort · checklist
Time limit for completion
- approachingComing toward something
- imminentAbout to occur
- preparationArranging things in advance
- readinessState of being prepared
buildup · tension · excitement · waiting · scheduled · milestone · event · moment
Armed forces collectively
- aviationFlying or operating aircraft
- protocolPrescribed conduct rules
- terminologySubject-specific vocabulary
- operationsPlanned systematic activities
briefing · timing · synchronization · procedure · tactical · precision · coordination · scheduling
launch
Set into motion
NASA · mission · sequence · ignition · seconds · blast-off · hold · abort · checklist · clock
deadline
Time limit for completion
- approachingComing toward something
- imminentAbout to occur
- preparationArranging things in advance
readiness · buildup · tension · excitement · waiting · scheduled · milestone · event · moment · pending
military
Armed forces collectively
- aviationFlying or operating aircraft
- protocolPrescribed conduct rules
- terminologySubject-specific vocabulary
operations · briefing · timing · synchronization · procedure · tactical · precision · coordination · scheduling · logistics
minus, minor, minuscule, minimum, minimal, minimize, minimalist, diminish, diminution