Definition
The reinforcing fabric layers built into an aircraft tire beneath the rubber tread. These cords -- typically made of nylon, polyester, or similar high-strength fibers -- give the tire its structural strength, allowing it to carry the weight of the aircraft and absorb landing loads without bursting.
Plain English
The strong woven layers inside an aircraft tire that hold it together. They sit just under the rubber surface and are what give the tire its real strength.
Context Anchor
Encountered during aircraft tire inspection, especially on a preflight walkaround or when checking tire damage.
Derivation
The useful part is “cord,” from older words meaning string or rope. That helps because tire cord is not a loose rope; it is the tire’s internal strand-like reinforcement.
Why Pilots Care
Exposed tire cord signals that the tire can no longer safely handle landing loads and must be replaced before further flight.
Intuition Check
Do not picture a separate cord attached to the tire. In this context, tire cord means the strong internal fibers that become visible when the tire is badly worn or cut.
Example Sentence 1
During the preflight, the pilot noticed tire cord showing through the tread on the left main and grounded the airplane until maintenance could replace the tire.
Example Sentence 2
During the walk-around, the student pilot pointed out tire cord on the nosewheel and asked the instructor whether the tire was still safe.