loaded?
The definition of "loaded" depends on context. For safe handling a gun is ALWAYs loaded unless dissasembled, and even then there are exceptions, for example the upper from a Luger can be made to fire without the frame.
For functional purposes, design, understanding how it works, etc, its loaded only if there is a round in the chamber, but we still have exceptions, how do you figure for a revolver?
Then there is the legal definition. Here in Iowa a firearm is loaded if the magazine is loaded, even if the magazine is not in the firearm. For example, if I lay a pistol in a case on the left side of my car trunk and lay the loaded magazine in another case on the right side of the trunk, that pistol is loaded. But we still have exceptions. If I have a muzzle loading rifle loaded but remove the cap then it's not loaded. But you won't catch me looking down the barrel to see what's in it.