Loop[expr]
...evaluates expr repeatedly unless...
Loop[],
Noop[Loop], or
Loop[Return][loopRtrn]
...is encountered
Loop[] causes the immediate re-evaluation of the containing Loop-expr.
Noop[Loop] terminates the containing Loop and returns Noop.
Loop[Return][loopRtrn] ends the containing Loop and returns loopRtrn.
Cardinal[Loop][body]
...evaluates body in the same way that Loop would, but returns the Cardinal number of loops executed.
See English definition for "loop".
If expr is any Expression, then...
(1) Loop[expr]
...evaluates expr repeatedly unless Loop[], Noop[Loop],
or Loop[Return][...loopRtrn...]
is encountered (while evaluating expr).
Within expr, any subExpression matching, "Loop[]", "Noop[Loop]", or "Loop[Return][...]" is a token.
Specifically...
If "body" is the iterated Expression, then...
(2) Cardinal[Loop][body]
...evaluates body in the same way that Loop would, but returns the Cardinal
number of loops executed.
The result of the last Loop iteration
of body is not returned. The three tokens
are the same as in the Loop in
(1), except (2) ALWAYS returns
a Cardinal.
This means "Loop[]", "Noop[Loop]",
or "Loop[Return][...]" are tokens
with the following effects:
If Noop[Loop] is encountered, it terminates the Loop and (2) returns Noop rather then a Cardinal.
loop n.
1. A fold or doubling of a thread, cord, rope, etc., through which another thread, cord, etc., can be passed, or into which a hook can be hooked; sometimes, a fold or cord or ribbon serving as an ornament, as on a uniform. Hence, a ring or fold forming a catch, often one of metal or wood; an eye, staple, etc.
That the probation bear no hinge, nor loop
To hang a doubt on. Shak
2. A loop-shaped figure, course, bend, structure, or the like; as, the loop of the letter "h"; the loop of a river.
3. Aviation. An aerial maneuver in which the airplane describes an approximately circular path in the plane of the longitudinal and normal axes, the lateral axis remaining horizontal and the upper side of the airplane remaining on the inside of the circle. In an outside loop the airplane remains on the outside of the circle.
4. Bacteriol. A wire, usually of platinum, bent at one end into a small loop, and used in transferring microorgaminisms. Cf. NEEDLE, n.,7.
5. Criminol. A type of fingerprint in which some of the papillary ridges make a single backward turn without any twist. SEE FINGERPRINT, n., 2.
6. Elec. A complete electrical circuit; a multiple or branch circuit; hence, on the loop, having the controller so adjusted that the motors are in multiple and move at top speed.
7. Geog. A curved sand bar enclosing a body of water.
8. Mining. A sling at the end of a hoisting rope.
9. Needlework. A stitch in crocheting, knitting, netting, and tatting.
10. Physics. a The portion of a vibrating string, air colum, etc., between two nodes, --called also ventral segment. b The middle point of such a portion. See NODE, 11. Illust.
11. Radio. Short for LOOP ANTENNA.
12. Railroads. A line turning off from the main line and returning to it.
13. Vehicles. A loop of metal serving as a brace, attachment, etc.; as, the body loop of a carriage, to which the spring is fixed.
--the Loop. That part of the business center of the city of Chicago surrounded by a "loop" of elevated railways near the lake and bounded by Lake, Wells, and Van Buren streets and Wabash Avenue.
loop (lÅÅp) v.
1. To make a loop or loops of or in; to fasten with a loop or loops; as, to loop a string; to loop up a curtain.
2. To place within a loop; to make a loop or loops on or about; as, to loop one's finger with cord.
3. To provide (a garment of the like) with loops.
4. Elec. To connect (electrical conductors) so as to complete a circuit in a loop.
--Intransitive;
1. To make a loop.
2. To crawl after the manner of a measuring worm.
3. To steal (away); slip; sneak; slink.
Ir. "Shy beasts that used to loop away." Padric Gregory.
4. Avionics. To execute a loop.
[From Websters1949Unabridged.]
(c) 2004-2007 by
John Van Wie Bergamini.
All rights reserved.