¦ noun
1. 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.
2. 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.
¦ verb 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.
Phrases
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.
Origin
ME: of unknown origin; cf. Sc. Gaelic lub 'loop'.