It may hold film in loops (5)
I believe the answer is:
spool
'it may hold film' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'loops' is the wordplay.
'loops' can be anagrammed to 'SPOOL'.
However, I am not clear how the anagram is indicated.
'in' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for spool that I've seen before include "Cylinder for winding film etc" , "On which film is wound" , "Ribbon holder" , "Film reel; wind" , "Bobbin, reel" .)