loop

 
Pronunciation: /luːp/

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

[with object and adverbial]
  • 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.

Phrases

in (or out of) the loop

informal aware (or unaware) of information known to only a privileged few: he complained of being kept out of the loop and threatened to resign

loop the loop

(of an aircraft) describe a vertical circle in the air: Julie will loop the loop next month on her first trip into the skies

throw (or knock) someone for a loop

North American informal surprise or astonish someone: the emotional aspect of it all threw us for a loop

Origin:

late Middle English: of unknown origin; compare with Scottish Gaelic lùb 'loop, bend'