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Original · left

Loop (shape)

A shape formed by a curving line, rope, or ribbon whose ends cross or join together.

First in use: ancient / pre-modern
Duplicate · right

Loop (programming)

A programmatic flow-control structure that executes a block of instructions repeatedly until a stop condition is satisfied.

First in use: the 1940s

Loop / Loop (shape) / Loop (programming)

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Colour keyGrey · original meaningGreen · duplicate meaningAmber · contested (40–60%)How colours work

Knots vs. for-loops.

Which meaning of Loop is the original, and which one is the duplicate riding on its name? Loop (shape) came first (ancient / pre-modern). Loop (programming) arrived in the 1940s. The data below shows which one owns the word now.

Wikipedia pageviews since 2015

Loop (shape)Loop (programming)
English Wikipedia pageviews since July 2015 load here.

Duplicate's share of attention

Green line = duplicate's % · above 60 it owns the word · below 40 the original does

Share-of-attention line loads here.

The case for each meaning

Sourced definitions, usage stats and quotes

Original · ancient / pre-modern

Loop (shape)

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Duplicate · the 1940s

Loop (programming)

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More duplicated terms

Programming & software