n.
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English loupe, of unknown origin
Date: 14th century
1 a : a curving or doubling of a line so as to form a closed or partly open curve within itself through which another line can be passed or into which a hook may be hooked b : such a fold of cord or ribbon serving as an ornament
2 a : something shaped like or suggestive of a loop b : a circular airplane maneuver executed in the vertical plane
3 : a ring or curved piece used to form a fastening, handle, or catch
4 : a closed electric circuit
5 a : a piece of film or magnetic tape whose ends are spliced together so as to project or play back the same material continuously b : a continuously repeated segment of music, dialogue, or images <a drum loop >
6 : a series of instructions (as for a computer) that is repeated until a terminating condition is reached
7 : a sports league
8 : a select well-informed inner circle that is influential in decision making <out of the policy loop >
– for a loop : into a state of amazement, confusion, or distress <the news threw us for a loop >