Noun: ripcord 'rip,kord
- A cord that is pulled to open a parachute from its pack during a descent
"The skydiver pulled the ripcord to deploy his parachute"
- A cord that is pulled to open the gasbag of a balloon wide enough to release gas and so causes the balloon to descend
"The balloonist pulled the ripcord to begin their descent"
Derived forms: ripcords
Type of: cord
Part of: balloon, chute, parachute
Encyclopedia: Ripcord