"Touchstone" Natural Recordings by Native Speakers
A standard or reference point against which other things can be compared. It is often used to measure or test the quality or truth of something.
In a way that is emotionally affecting and endearing, often because it shows kindness, sympathy, or affection. It can also refer to the quality of being moving or affecting someone's emotions, especially by being sentimental or sincere.
The touchline is the area along the side of a sports playing field, just behind the sidelines. It is the area where spectators, coaches, and team officials typically congregate to watch a game, offer support to their team, and communicate with the players.<br><br>In association football (soccer), rugby, and rugby league, the touchline is also where players who are substituted into the game enter and exit the field of play. It is usually a defined zone on the field, marked by a line or a line of cones, and is closely monitored by officials to ensure that all rules and regulations are enforced.<br><br>The term "touchline" can also be used informally to refer to the people who are watching the game from the sidelines, or to the excitement and energy of the crowd.
A flat, flat or rounded panel on a laptop or some other portable computer, on which the user can press to control the movement of the cursor on the screen by moving a finger or a pointing stick across the surface.
A touchscreen is a display screen that is sensitive to touch. It allows users to interact with a device, such as a smartphone or computer, by tapping, swiping, or gesturing on the screen using their fingers. This type of interface eliminates the need for keyboard and mouse input, making it a popular choice for devices that require intuitive and user-friendly interfaces.
Touchtones refer to the distinctive sounds or vibrations of a caller's touch-tone phone when they press buttons to enter a phone number or access features on the phone. They are also known as dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) tones.<br><br>However, in music, especially in the context of horn and synthesizer playing, a "touch tone" can refer to a specific type of dynamic mark used to denote exactly how hard a virtuoso played a high note, often indicating that it was played with a particular timbre and vibrato.<br><br>In figurative language, touchtone can also colloquially refer to the intonation, or sound and style of a voice, often being used to describe a person's speaking voice or manner of communication, akin to tone of voice.
"Touge" is a Japanese term that refers to a style of high-performance driving on mountainous roads, particularly in Japan. It is characterized by aggressive driving techniques, such as drifting, braking, and accelerating, to take advantage of the winding roads and terrain features like declines and rises.<br><br>In Japan, touge driving is often associated with the "Akina Pass" near the Fuji Speedway, a famous racing circuit. The sport has a strong following and has been featured in numerous Japanese car magazines and media.<br><br>Touge driving requires a high level of skill, control, and bravery, as well as a well-maintained vehicle capable of handling high speeds and aggressive driving. It is considered a unique and thrilling form of driving, but also comes with risks and strict safety precautions when practiced.