showdown \ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷\noun Etymology: from show down to display one's hand at poker 1. a.: the placing of poker hands faceup on the table to determine the winner of a pot b.: cold hands 2.: the final settlement of a contested issue or the test of strength by which it is settled < emerged on the winning end of a 257-26 showdown in the House of Commons — Wall Street Journal >