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instrument

[ in-struh-muhnt ]
/ ˈÉȘn strə mənt /
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See synonyms for: instrument / instrumented / instrumenting / instruments on Thesaurus.com

noun
verb (used with object)
to equip with instruments, as a machine or manufacturing process: to instrument a space vehicle.
to arrange a composition for musical instruments; orchestrate.
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Origin of instrument

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Latin instrĆ«mentum equipment, equivalent to instrĆ«-, stem of instruere “to equip” (see instruct) + -mentum-ment

OTHER WORDS FROM instrument

un·der·in·stru·ment, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

WHEN TO USE

What are other ways to say instrument?

An instrument is a mechanical contrivance, especially one used for delicate or precision work. When should you use this noun over tool, implement, or utensil? Learn more on Thesaurus.com. 

How to use instrument in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for instrument

instrument

noun (ˈÉȘnstrəmənt)
verb (ˈÉȘnstrəˌmɛnt) (tr)
another word for orchestrate (def. 1)
to equip with instruments

Word Origin for instrument

C13: from Latin instrƫmentum tool, equipment, from instruere to erect, furnish; see instruct
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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