Crossword Genius

Curving branch of circling body of water (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

loop

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'curving branch' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'of circling body of water' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'of' could be 'o' and 'o' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'lop' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for loop that I've seen before include "Shape formed by a closed curve that does not intersect itself" , "Circular shape of pool" , "Oval-shaped coil" , "Shape produced by curve that crosses itself" , "I cross myself" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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