Hi all, I remember reading a discussion here about what counted as a "lap" (one length versus a round trip), and there didn't seem to be a consensus. I'm interested to know the statistics. So please take the poll :)
The question is difficult to answer definitively, but the close reader shall find clues on the 6th definition of Lap, the verb, as outlined on the free dictionary: www.thefreedictionary.com/lap
I made the part below easy to find via font size and color manipulation. However, I think this comes pretty close to affirming that a lap is two lengths.
However, if you read down further, to the lap as noun section, 2b clearly states (in apparent contradiction 6 above) that a lap is a single length of a pool.
lap 2 (limg.tfd.com/.../abreve.gifp)v. lapped, lap·ping, laps
v.tr.1. a. To place or lay (something) so as to overlap another: lapped the roof tiles so that water would run off.
b. To lie partly over or on: each shingle lapping the next; shadows that lapped the wall.
2. To fold (something) over onto itself: a cloth edge that had been lapped and sewn to make a hem.
3. To wrap or wind around (something); encircle.
4. To envelop in something; swathe: models who were lapped in expensive furs.
5. To join (pieces, as of wood) by means of a scarf or lap joint.
6. Sports To get ahead of (an opponent) in a race by one or more complete circuits of the course, as in running, or by two or more lengths of pool in swimming.
7. To convert (cotton or other fibers) into a sheet or layer.
8. a. To polish (a surface) until smooth.
b. To hone (two mating parts) against each other until closely fitted.
v.intr.1. To lie partly on or over something; overlap.
2. To form a lap or fold.
3. To wind around or enfold something.
n.1. a. A part that overlaps.
b. The amount by which one part overlaps another.
2. a. One complete round or circuit, especially of a racetrack.
b. One complete length of a straight course, as of a swimming pool.
3. A segment or stage, as of a trip.
4. a. A length, as of rope, required to make one complete turn around something.
b. The act of lapping or encircling.
5. A continuous band or layer of cotton, flax, or other fiber.
6. A wheel, disk, or slab of leather or metal, either stationary or rotating, used for polishing and smoothing.
The question is difficult to answer definitively, but the close reader shall find clues on the 6th definition of Lap, the verb, as outlined on the free dictionary: www.thefreedictionary.com/lap
I made the part below easy to find via font size and color manipulation. However, I think this comes pretty close to affirming that a lap is two lengths.
However, if you read down further, to the lap as noun section, 2b clearly states (in apparent contradiction 6 above) that a lap is a single length of a pool.
lap 2 (limg.tfd.com/.../abreve.gifp)v. lapped, lap·ping, laps
v.tr.1. a. To place or lay (something) so as to overlap another: lapped the roof tiles so that water would run off.
b. To lie partly over or on: each shingle lapping the next; shadows that lapped the wall.
2. To fold (something) over onto itself: a cloth edge that had been lapped and sewn to make a hem.
3. To wrap or wind around (something); encircle.
4. To envelop in something; swathe: models who were lapped in expensive furs.
5. To join (pieces, as of wood) by means of a scarf or lap joint.
6. Sports To get ahead of (an opponent) in a race by one or more complete circuits of the course, as in running, or by two or more lengths of pool in swimming.
7. To convert (cotton or other fibers) into a sheet or layer.
8. a. To polish (a surface) until smooth.
b. To hone (two mating parts) against each other until closely fitted.
v.intr.1. To lie partly on or over something; overlap.
2. To form a lap or fold.
3. To wind around or enfold something.
n.1. a. A part that overlaps.
b. The amount by which one part overlaps another.
2. a. One complete round or circuit, especially of a racetrack.
b. One complete length of a straight course, as of a swimming pool.
3. A segment or stage, as of a trip.
4. a. A length, as of rope, required to make one complete turn around something.
b. The act of lapping or encircling.
5. A continuous band or layer of cotton, flax, or other fiber.
6. A wheel, disk, or slab of leather or metal, either stationary or rotating, used for polishing and smoothing.
