LOOSELY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does loosely mean? 

• LOOSELY (adverb)
  The adverb LOOSELY has 4 senses:

1. in a relaxed manner; not rigid

2. in a loose manner

3. without regard to specific details or exceptions

4. structurally open and not compact or close

  Familiarity information: LOOSELY used as an adverb is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• LOOSELY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

In a relaxed manner; not rigid

Synonyms:

loosely; slackly

Context example:

his hands lay loosely

Pertainym:

loose (not tense or taut)

Sense 2

Meaning:

In a loose manner

Context example:

a union of loosely federated states

Sense 3

Meaning:

Without regard to specific details or exceptions

Synonyms:

broadly; broadly speaking; generally; loosely

Context example:

he interprets the law broadly

Sense 4

Meaning:

Structurally open and not compact or close

Context example:

loosely structured organization

Pertainym:

loose ((of textures) full of small openings or gaps)

 Context examples 

Chromosome regions that are loosely packaged and more accessible to RNA polymerases than HETEROCHROMATIN.

(Euchromatin, NLM, Medical Subject Headings)

Clusters of multipolar neurons surrounded by a capsule of loosely organized CONNECTIVE TISSUE located outside the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM.

(Ganglion, NLM, Medical Subject Headings)

A pattern of prostate carcinoma characterized by the presence of glands that are more loosely arranged and less uniform compared to Gleason pattern 1.

(Gleason Pattern 2, NCI Thesaurus)

The H1 class of histones, termed the linker histones, is loosely associated with the nucleosome.

(Histone, NCI Thesaurus)

The research also suggests that any H2O present on the Moon isn’t loosely attached to the surface.

(On Second Thought, the Moon's Water May Be Widespread and Immobile, NASA)

The part of the conjunctiva, a thin transparent mucous membrane, that is loosely attached the orbital septum and covers the anterior surface of the sclera.

(Bulbar Conjunctiva, NCI Thesaurus)

Here his right hand came slowly and feebly from under the bedclothes, and with a purposeless uncertain grasp took hold of a stick which was loosely tied to the side of the bed.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

His heavy arms hung loosely at his sides.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

The glandular architecture consists of small, round acini amid loosely woven, randomly oriented stroma.

(Peripheral Zone of the Prostatic Parenchyma, NCI Thesaurus)

The droop of loosely fitting skin and extensive ear leather give the Black and Tan a distinctive quality.

(Black and Tan Coonhound, NCI Thesaurus)