DictionaryRoot: down
English
down
downward or to a lower position
Forms
- down
Origin
From Old English of dune, “off the hill,” with dune a form of dun, “hill.”
Note
A phrase describing movement from a hill became a general direction word.
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noun
down
A play from scrimmage in American or Canadian football.
Etymology
The football noun developed from the ball carrier being brought down, ending a play. It came to name the play itself as one counted opportunity to advance.