instrument

An object you play to make music, such as a piano or flute.

• She plays three instruments.
• The guitar is my favorite instrument.
• Which instrument would you like to learn?

Common phrases: musical instrument, play an instrument

A device that measures something or shows information about it.

• The instrument measures air pressure.
• Check the instruments before starting the engine.
• A faulty instrument gave us the wrong temperature.

Similar words: device, meter

Common phrases: measuring instrument, instrument panel

A tool held and used by hand to perform a task.

• Use a sharp instrument to cut the thread.
• The surgeon cleaned her instruments.
• He selected a small instrument from the tray.

Similar words: tool, implement

Common phrases: surgical instrument, sharp instrument, dental instrument, precision instrument

To fit something with devices that measure or record what happens.

• Engineers instrument the engine before testing it.
• The bridge was instrumented with sensors.
• We instrumented the prototype to record changes in pressure.

How to use it: instrument something with something (They instrumented the wing with pressure sensors.)

Similar words: measure, supervise

Common phrases: instrument a vehicle, instrument a prototype

To play music on an instrument or arrange it for particular instruments.

• She instrumented the tune for flute.
• The composer instrumented the piece for a small orchestra.
• He carefully instrumented the melody for strings.

How to use it: instrument something for something (She instrumented the song for a string quartet.)

Similar words: arrange, orchestrate

Common phrases: instrument for orchestra, instrument a sonata