Turn

A single encirclement of a rope around an object or another part of the rope.

A turn changes the rope’s direction and creates friction around a post, ring, spar or rope. The exact amount of encirclement distinguishes a turn from a round turn, which wraps farther around the object before the rope leads away.

Turns form components of many hitches and bends and can help control a loaded line. They are not necessarily secure by themselves, so the completed knot or method of holding the working end must suit the task.