instruments
English meaning: Instruments
Definition
A device used to produce music.
Example
“The violinist was a master of her instrument.”
Another example: “The surgeon laid out her instruments before the operation.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Plural of 'instrument'; in this sense devices for producing music ('musical instruments', 'string instruments'), but 'instruments' also means precision tools ('surgical instruments', 'scientific instruments') and a plane's controls ('flying on instruments'). Context disambiguates.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Latin 'instrumentum' (a tool, equipment), from 'instruere' (to equip, arrange); in English from the 13th century.
Related Words
- stringed
- lute
- harpsichord
- mandolin
- accordion
- oboe
- flute
- clarinet
- percussion
- banjo
Common Collocations
- musical instruments
- string instruments
- play instruments
- surgical instruments
- scientific instruments
- wind instruments
Word Forms
instrument (sing); instruments (pl); instrumental (adj)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B