Loop vs. Mesh — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on November 2, 2023
A loop is a structure made by bending a line into a circular or oval shape; mesh is a network of interwoven fibers or wires.
Difference Between Loop and Mesh
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A loop refers to a shape produced when a curve is bent around and crosses itself, or something shaped like such a curve. A mesh, however, is a material made from interconnected strands creating a net-like structure.
The concept of a loop is integral to various disciplines, signifying a closed curve. Mesh, on the other hand, is more about interconnectedness, often used to describe fabric with closely spaced holes.
In programming, a loop is a sequence of instructions that repeats until a certain condition is met. Mesh in technology could refer to a mesh network, where nodes connect directly, dynamically, and non-hierarchically.
One might find loops in a roller coaster's track, designed for thrilling circular motion. Mesh is commonly found in screens or filters, designed for its permeability and strength.
The use of loops is prevalent in music as repeating sections, while mesh doesn't typically have a musical application but could metaphorically represent a complex web of sounds.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A structure made by bending a line
A network of interwoven fibers or wires
Use in Textiles
Loops in knitting or crocheting
Mesh fabrics like tulle or netting
Shape
Closed curve or circuit
Open, net-like texture
Application in Tech
Programming loops for repeated actions
Mesh networks for connectivity
Symbolism
Continuity or repetition
Interconnection or filtration
Compare with Definitions
Loop
A sequence in programming that repeats a set of instructions.
The software bug was caused by an infinite loop in the code.
Mesh
A network of interconnected lines or elements.
The internet is a vast mesh of interconnected computers.
Loop
A method used in knitting or crocheting to interlock yarn.
Each stitch is a loop interlocked with the next to create fabric.
Mesh
An openwork fabric or structure with a net-like appearance.
She chose a dress with a fine mesh overlay for the evening.
Loop
An actual or virtual path that circles back to its beginning.
The hiking trail loops around the lake and back to the campground.
Mesh
A structure used for separating fine particles from a liquid or air.
The mesh filter in the coffee maker prevents grounds from escaping.
Loop
A length of line, thread, ribbon, or other thin material that is curved or doubled over making an opening.
Mesh
A mesh is a barrier made of connected strands of metal, fiber, or other flexible or ductile materials. A mesh is similar to a web or a net in that it has many attached or woven strands.
Loop
The opening formed by such a doubled line.
Mesh
Any of the open spaces in a net or network; an interstice.
Loop
Something having a shape, order, or path of motion that is circular or curved over on itself.
Mesh
Often meshes The cords, threads, or wires surrounding these spaces.
Loop
(Electricity) A closed circuit.
Mesh
An openwork fabric or structure; a net or network
A screen made of wire mesh.
Loop
(Computers) A sequence of instructions that repeats either a specified number of times or until a particular condition is met.
Mesh
Often meshes Something that snares or entraps
"Arabia had become entangled in the meshes of ... politics" (W. Montgomery Watt).
Loop
A loop-shaped intrauterine device.
Mesh
The engagement of gear teeth.
Loop
A flight maneuver in which an aircraft flies a circular path in a vertical plane with the lateral axis of the aircraft remaining horizontal.
Mesh
The state of being so engaged
Gear teeth in mesh.
Loop
A segment of film or magnetic tape whose ends are joined, making a strip that can be continuously replayed.
Mesh
To catch in or as if in a net; ensnare.
Loop
(Sports) See league1.
Mesh
To cause (gear teeth) to become engaged.
Loop
A loophole through which small arms may be fired.
Mesh
To cause to work closely together; coordinate.
Loop
To form into a loop.
Mesh
To become entangled.
Loop
To fasten, join, or encircle with loops or a loop.
Mesh
To become engaged or interlocked
Gears that are not meshing properly.
Loop
To fly (an aircraft) in a loop.
Mesh
To fit together effectively; be coordinated.
Loop
To move in a loop or an arc.
Mesh
To accord with another or each other; harmonize.
Loop
(Electricity) To join (conductors) so as to complete a circuit.
Mesh
A structure made of connected strands of metal, fiber, or other flexible/ductile material, with evenly spaced openings between them.
Loop
To add or substitute (words) in a film by altering the soundtrack.
Mesh
The opening or space enclosed by the threads of a net between knot and knot, or the threads enclosing such a space.
Loop
To form a loop.
Mesh
The engagement of the teeth of wheels, or of a wheel and rack.
Loop
To move in a loop
"The couple looped constantly around the international social circuit" (Walter Isaacson).
Mesh
A measure of fineness (particle size) of ground material. A powder that passes through a sieve having 300 openings per linear inch but does not pass 400 openings per linear inch is said to be -300 +400 mesh.
Loop
To make a loop in an aircraft.
Mesh
(computer graphics) A polygon mesh.
Loop
A length of thread, line or rope that is doubled over to make an opening.
Mesh
(electronics) In mesh analysis: a loop in a electric circuit (to which Kirchhoff's voltage law can be applied).
Loop
The opening so formed.
Mesh
(ambitransitive) To connect together by interlocking, as gears do.
Loop
A shape produced by a curve that bends around and crosses itself.
Arches, loops, and whorls are patterns found in fingerprints.
Mesh
To fit in; to come together harmoniously.
The music meshed well with the visuals in that film.
Loop
A ring road or beltway.
Mesh
(transitive) To catch in a mesh.
Loop
An endless strip of tape or film allowing continuous repetition.
Mesh
The opening or space inclosed by the threads of a net between knot and knot, or the threads inclosing such a space; network; a net.
A golden mesh to entrap the hearts of men.
Loop
A complete circuit for an electric current.
Mesh
The engagement of the teeth of wheels, or of a wheel and rack.
Loop
(programming) A programmed sequence of instructions that is repeated until or while a particular condition is satisfied.
Mesh
To catch in a mesh.
Loop
(graph theory) An edge that begins and ends on the same vertex.
Mesh
To engage with each other, as the teeth of wheels.
Loop
(topology) A path that starts and ends at the same point.
Mesh
The number of opening per inch of a screen; measures size of particles;
A 100 mesh screen
100 mesh powdered cellulose
Loop
(transportation) A bus or rail route, walking route, etc. that starts and ends at the same point.
Mesh
Contact by fitting together;
The engagement of the clutch
The meshing of gears
Loop
(rail) A place at a terminus where trains or trams can turn round and go back the other way without having to reverse; a balloon loop, turning loop, or reversing loop.
Mesh
The topology of a network whose components are all connected directly to every other component
Loop
(algebra) A quasigroup with an identity element.
Mesh
An open fabric of string or rope or wire woven together at regular intervals
Loop
A loop-shaped intrauterine device.
Mesh
The act of interlocking or meshing;
An interlocking of arms by the police held the crowd in check
Loop
An aerobatic maneuver in which an aircraft flies a circular path in a vertical plane.
Mesh
Keep engaged;
Engaged the gears
Loop
A small, narrow opening; a loophole.
Mesh
Coordinate in such a way that all parts work together effectively
Loop
Alternative form of loup
Mesh
Work together in harmony
Loop
(biochemistry) A flexible region in a protein's secondary structure.
Mesh
Entangle or catch in (or as if in) a mesh
Loop
(transitive) To form something into a loop.
Mesh
A material made of a network of wire or thread.
The mesh on the window screen keeps insects out.
Loop
(transitive) To fasten or encircle something with a loop.
Mesh
The act of fitting together harmoniously.
Their skills mesh well to make a great team.
Loop
(transitive) To fly an aircraft in a loop.
Loop
(transitive) To move something in a loop.
Loop
(transitive) To join electrical components to complete a circuit.
Loop
(transitive) To duplicate the route of a pipeline.
Loop
(transitive) To create an error in a computer program so that it runs in an endless loop and the computer freezes up.
Loop
(intransitive) To form a loop.
Loop
(intransitive) To move in a loop.
The program loops until the user presses a key.
Loop
To place in a loop.
Loop
A mass of iron in a pasty condition gathered into a ball for the tilt hammer or rolls.
Loop
A fold or doubling of a thread, cord, rope, etc., through which another thread, cord, etc., can be passed, or which a hook can be hooked into; an eye, as of metal; a staple; a noose; a bight.
That the probation bear no hinge, nor loopTo hang a doubt on.
Loop
A small, narrow opening; a loophole.
And stop all sight-holes, every loop from whenceThe eye of Reason may pry in upon us.
Loop
A curve of any kind in the form of a loop.
Loop
A wire forming part of a main circuit and returning to the point from which it starts.
Loop
The portion of a vibrating string, air column, etc., between two nodes; - called also ventral segment.
Loop
To make a loop of or in; to fasten with a loop or loops; - often with up; as, to loop a string; to loop up a curtain.
Loop
Fastener consisting of a metal ring for lining a small hole to permit the attachment of cords or lines
Loop
Anything with a round or oval shape (formed by a curve that is closed and does not intersect itself)
Loop
(computer science) a single execution of a set of instructions that are to be repeated;
The solution took hundreds of iterations
Loop
An inner circle of advisors (especially under President Reagan);
He's no longer in the loop
Loop
The basic pattern of the human fingerprint
Loop
A computer program that performs a series of instructions repeatedly until some specified condition is satisfied
Loop
The topology of a network whose components are connected in a loop
Loop
An intrauterine device in the shape of a loop
Loop
A complete electrical circuit around which current flows or a signal circulates
Loop
A flight maneuver; aircraft flies a complete circle in the vertical plane
Loop
Move in loops;
The bicycle looped around the tree
Loop
Make a loop in;
Loop a rope
Loop
Fly loops, perform a loop;
The stunt pilot looped his plane
Loop
Wind around something in coils or loops
Loop
Fasten or join with a loop;
He looped the watch through his belt
Loop
A shape created by a curve that bends around and crosses itself.
The scarf had a loop at the end to secure it around her neck.
Loop
A structure or process that starts and ends at the same point.
The train runs on a loop, returning to the first station after the last.
Common Curiosities
What is a feedback loop?
A feedback loop is a process where the output of a system feeds back into the system to regulate its function.
What is mesh topology?
Mesh topology is a network setup where each node connects to at least two other nodes for redundancy and reliability.
What's a loop in music?
A loop in music is a repeating section of sound material.
Is mesh always made of metal?
No, mesh can be made from various materials, including metal, thread, or plastic.
What's the purpose of a belt loop?
A belt loop is designed to hold a belt in place around clothing.
Can you have a loop within a loop?
Yes, this is called a nested loop, often used in programming.
How is a fruit loop related to the term loop?
"Fruit loop" can colloquially refer to a circular breakfast cereal, playing on the shape of a loop.
What does it mean when gears mesh?
It means the teeth of the gears interlock correctly to transmit motion.
What are mesh networks used for?
Mesh networks are used for creating robust and expandable network systems.
Is a loopback address a type of loop?
Yes, it's a network address that sends back to the originating device.
Are mesh sizes standardized?
Yes, mesh sizes are often standardized, especially in industrial applications.
Is mesh breathable?
Yes, due to its perforations, mesh is typically breathable.
Can mesh be elastic?
Yes, some mesh fabrics are designed to be stretchy.
What does 'in the loop' mean?
It means being informed about something or part of a selected group.
Can loops be visual in art?
Yes, artists often use loops in their work to create patterns or visual flow.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
