What is formed by reversing the direction of a rope to create a "U" bend with two parallel ends?

When reversing the direction of a rope to create a "U" bend with two parallel ends, what is formed is known as a bight. A bight is defined as a section of rope that has been curved back on itself without crossing over, creating a U-shaped formation. This configuration allows for various applications in knot tying, securing items, or adding additional tension without altering the overall length of the rope.

The term bight is specifically used to indicate that the rope is doubled back in such a way that both ends remain parallel and close together, which differentiates it from other options. In contrast, a loop would typically imply that the ends of the rope are crossing over each other to create a closed circle, and a round turn refers to the rope being wrapped around an object multiple times. A bend generally pertains to a knot that joins two lengths of rope, rather than simply the formation of a U shape. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective rope handling and knot tying in firefighting and other applications.