n.
- a shape produced by a curve that bends round and crosses itself.
▸a length of thread or similar material forming such a shape, used as a fastening or handle.
▸
(also loop line)
Brit. a length of railway track which is connected at either end to the main line and on to which trains can be diverted.
▸
(also loop-the-loop)
a manoeuvre in which an aircraft describes a vertical circle in the air.
▸Skating a manoeuvre describing a loop, made on a single edge.
- a structure, series, or process the end of which is connected to the beginning.
▸an endless strip of tape or film allowing continuous repetition.
▸a complete circuit for an electric current.
▸Computing a programmed sequence of instructions that is repeated until or while a particular condition is satisfied.
v.
form into a loop or loops; encircle.
▸follow a course that forms a loop or loops.
▸put into or execute a loop of tape, film, or computing instructions.
▸
(also loop the loop)
(of an aircraft) circle vertically in the air.
Phrase
- in
(or out of)
the loop
informal aware (or unaware) of information known to only a privileged few. - throw
(or knock)
someone for a loop
N. Amer. informal surprise or astonish someone.
Etymology
ME: of unknown origin; cf. Sc. Gaelic lùb ‘loop’.
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