loop

Everyday

1. A loop is a shape like a circle made by a line, string or path that bends round and crosses or joins itself. tree →
2. To loop means to make a loop or move in a loop. tree →
3. In computing, a loop is a set of instructions that repeats. tree →
4. «In the loop» means knowing what is going on. tree →

In the lessons

In computing lessons (Scratch, coding), a loop repeats instructions, like «repeat 4 times: move 10, turn 90» to draw a square; a «forever» loop never stops. In science, an electric circuit must be a complete loop for the bulb to light. In everyday life you make loops to tie shoelaces; roller coasters do loops. Phrases: «in a loop», «loop the loop», «keep someone in the loop», «out of the loop», «on a loop».

Examples

• Make a loop with the lace and wrap the other end around it. tree →
• The roller coaster did a loop-the-loop. tree →
• Use a loop to repeat the code ten times. tree →
• The circuit must be a complete loop. tree →
• The song played on a loop all day. tree →
• The path makes a loop around the lake. tree →
• Keep me in the loop about the party plans. tree →
• The plane looped through the sky. tree →
• The three sisters then tied the heroes with every kind of loop and twist and knot that could be thought of. tree →

Note

Countable: loops. In coding, a loop with no way to stop is an «infinite loop» and may freeze a program. In maths, «repeat 4 times» in a loop means the same steps happen 4 times, so multiply: 4 × 90° = 360° for a full turn.

In Jewish tradition

The loops are the blue loops on the edges of the curtains of the Tabernacle. Clasps joined them, making the tent one piece.

Interpretation. Tradition reads the joining of many curtains into one Tabernacle as a sign of unity, and it holds that the Tabernacle is a model for the whole world.

Examples

• And thou shalt make fifty clasps of brass, and put the clasps into the loops, and couple the tent together, that it may be one. (Torah EXO.26.11, JPS 1917) tree →
• Fifty loops made he in the one curtain, and fifty loops made he in the edge of the curtain that was in the second set; the loops were opposite one to another. (Torah EXO.36.12, JPS 1917) tree →
• Fifty loops shalt thou make in the one curtain, and fifty loops shalt thou make in the edge of the curtain that is in the second set; the loops shall be opposite one to another. (Torah EXO.26.5, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable: loops. In coding, a loop with no way to stop is an «infinite loop» and may freeze a program. In maths, «repeat 4 times» in a loop means the same steps happen 4 times, so multiply: 4 × 90° = 360° for a full turn.