a cord that when pulled opens a parachute from its pack a cord on the gas bag of a balloon that when pulled opens a panel, enabling gas to escape and the balloon to descend
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
ˈrip ˌcord, n. [countable]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- a cord on a parachute that, when pulled, opens the parachute for descent.
rip′ cord′,
- a cord on a parachute that, when pulled, opens the parachute for descent.
- a cord fastened in the bag of a passenger balloon or dirigible so that a sharp pull upon it will rip or open the bag and let the gas escape, causing the balloon to descend rapidly.
- 1905–10