What is "bungee jumping"

Bungee jump \Bun"gee jump`\, Bungee jumping \Bun"gee jump`ing\, n. an act of derring-do in which a person jumps from a high platform, such as a bridge, attached (usually by the legs) to a bungee cord, which is set to a length that will halt the drop before the person reaches the surface of the earth or the water.

n. The activity of jumping from a great height with an elasticated cord attached to the ankles.

Bungee jumping (; also spelt "bungy" jumping, which is the usual spelling in New Zealand and several other countries) is an activity that involves jumping from a tall structure while connected to a large elastic cord. The tall structure is usually a fixed object, such as a building, bridge or crane; but it is also possible to jump from a movable object, such as a hot-air-balloon or helicopter, that has the ability to hover above the ground. The thrill comes from the free-falling and the rebound. When the person jumps, the cord stretches and the jumper flies upwards again as the cord recoils, and continues to oscillate up and down until all the kinetic energy is dissipated.