loop

noun

• 1a shape produced by a curve that bends round and crosses itself: make a loop in the twine
• a length of thread, rope, or similar material, doubled or crossing itself, used as a fastening or handle: a loop of rope tied round their wrists
• a curved stroke forming part of a letter (e.g. b, p).
• (also loop line) British a length of railway track which is connected at either end to the main line and on to which trains can be diverted to allow others to pass.
• (also loop road) British a stretch of road that diverges from a main road and joins it again.
• (also loop-the-loop) a manoeuvre in which an aircraft describes a vertical circle in the air.
• Skating a manoeuvre describing a curve that crosses itself, made on a single edge.

• 2a structure, series, or process, the end of which is connected to the beginning:a feedback loop
• 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.

verb

• form (something) into a loop or loops; encircle:she looped her arms around his neck
• [no object, with adverbial] follow a course that forms a loop or loops:the canal loops for two miles through the city
• put into or execute a loop of tape, film, or computing instructions.