countdown

noun

1. A count backward in fixed units to the time of some event, especially the launch of a space vehicle.
2. The acts of preparation carried out during this period.
3. A radio or television program counting down the top songs of a given week, usually in reverse order and ending with the number one song.

verb

1. (nonstandard)To count down.

   “This was accomplished in the old system by polling a software variable representing the number of prebleach bin and issuing a software command to trigger the AOM once the variable has countdowned to zero.”

   “Time measures itself out in a series of diminishing peristaltic ticks, countdowning slowly towards the miracle of Ignition.”

   “Whole families stood gawking at the massive statue, countdowning the five remaining minutes to the big one.”