• Loop

    Pronunciation

    • IPA: /luːp/
    • Rhymes: -uːp

    Origin

    From Middle English loupe ("noose, loop"), earlier lowp-knot ("loop-knot"), of origin, ultimately from Old Norse hlaup ("a run", literally, "a leap"), used in the sense of a "running knot". Compare Swedish löp-knut ("loop-knot"), Danish løb-knude ("a running knot"), Danish løb ("a course"). More at leap.

    Full definition of loop

    Noun

    loop

    (plural loops)
    1. A length of thread, line or rope that is doubled over to make an opening.
    2. The opening so formed.
    3. A shape produced by a curve that bends around and crosses itself.Arches, loops, and whorls are patterns found in fingerprints.
    4. A ring road or beltway.
    5. An endless strip of tape or film allowing continuous repetition.
    6. A complete circuit for an electric current.
    7. (computing) A programmed sequence of instructions that is repeated until or while a particular condition is satisfied.
    8. (graph theory) An edge that begins and ends on the same vertex.
    9. (topology) A path that starts and ends at the same point.
    10. (algebra) A quasigroup with an identity element.
    11. A loop-shaped intrauterine device.
    12. An aerobatic maneuver in which an aircraft flies a circular path in a vertical plane.
    13. A small, narrow opening; a loophole.
      • ShakespeareAnd stop all sight-holes, every loop from whence
        The eye of Reason may pry in upon us.
    14. Alternative form of loup (mass of iron).

    Verb

    1. (transitive) To form something into a loop.
    2. (transitive) To fasten or encircle something with a loop.
    3. (transitive) To fly an aircraft in a loop.
    4. (transitive) To move something in a loop.
    5. (transitive) To join electrical components to complete a circuit.
    6. (intransitive) To form a loop.
    7. (intransitive) To move in a loop.The program loops until the user presses a key.
      • 2011, February 4, Gareth Roberts, Wales 19-26 England, The outstanding Tom Palmer won a line-out and then charged into the heart of the Welsh defence, scrum-half Ben Youngs moved the ball swiftly right and Cueto's looping pass saw Ashton benefit from a huge overlap to again run in untouched.

    Derived terms

    Terms derived from loop (verb)

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