ripcord

• Cordon que l'on tire pour ouvrir un parachute ou pour libérer le gaz d'un ballon afin de le faire descendre.

A noun referring to a cord that is pulled to release gas from a balloon for descent, or to deploy a parachute from its pack during a fall.

1. Parachute release cordB2formal

   A cord that is pulled to open a parachute from its pack during a descent.

   corde de déclenchement de parachute

   • He pulled the ripcord and the parachute opened smoothly.
   • The skydiver checked the ripcord before jumping.
   • A faulty ripcord can cause a dangerous freefall.

2. Balloon deflation cordC1formal

   A cord that is pulled to open the gasbag of a balloon wide enough to release gas and cause the balloon to descend.

   Corde de dégonflage de ballon

   • The pilot pulled the ripcord to start the balloon's descent.
   • The ripcord mechanism is essential for controlling the balloon's altitude.
   • He yanked the ripcord, and the balloon began to lose gas.