rip cord

noun

1. a cord on a parachute that, when pulled, opens the parachute for descent.
2. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rip cord¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Then Jimmy saw him reach for the rip-cord, grasp the metal ring, and give it a sharp jerk.

From Project Gutenberg

At any rate he cut off thinking about other things and gave the rip-cord ring a smart jerk.

From Project Gutenberg

"So I did pull my rip cord ring," Dawson breathed, as memory of those weird crazy moments between life and death came back to him.

From Project Gutenberg

That being the case, the sooner he pulled the rip cord on the second chute, the better off he would be.

From Project Gutenberg

He counted up to twenty, then tightened his grip on the rip-cord ring and jerked it hard.

From Project Gutenberg