loosˈen transitive verb

1. To make loose
2. To relax
3. To make less dense
4. To open or relieve (the bowels)

1. To become loose
2. To become less tight

loosˈener noun

A laxative

looseˈness noun

1. The state of being loose
2. Diarrhoea

looseˈ-bodˈied adjective

1. Of clothes, flowing, loose-fitting
2. Loose in behaviour

loose box noun

A part of a stable where horses are kept untied

loose cannon noun (figurative)

Something or someone dangerously uncontrolled, like a cannon that may discharge unpredictably and cause damage to one's own side

loose change noun

Coins kept about one's person for small expenditures

loose cover noun

A detachable cover, eg for an armchair

looseˈ-cut noun

A disease of cereal crops caused by a parasitic fungus, Ustilago nuda, that reduces the grains to powder

loose end noun

Something that has been left unfinished or that has not been explained or decided

loose fish noun

1. A person of irregular, esp lax, habits
2. A prostitute

loose forward noun

1. In Rugby Union, either of the two wing forwards or the number 8 at the back of the scrum
2. In Rugby League, the player at the back of the scrum

loose-head prop noun (rugby)

The prop forward on the left of the front row in the scrum

loose housing noun

A means of housing cattle whereby the animals have access to shelter but are free to move about in straw-covered yards

loose-knitˈ or loosely-knitˈ adjective

(of communities, etc) not bound together by close ties

looseˈ-leaf adjective

Of a folder, binder, etc, having a cover designed so as to allow leaves to be inserted or removed

looseˈ-limbedˈ or looseˈ-jointˈed adjective

Having supple limbs

be at a loose end

To have nothing to do

break loose

To escape from confinement

give a loose to

To give rein or free vent to

let loose

To set at liberty

loosen up

1. To become less shy or taciturn
2. To exercise gently, eg in preparation for athletic effort

on the loose

1. Indulging in a bout of unrestraint
2. Freed from confinement

stay loose (informal)

Keep cool, keep relaxed