Definition, synonyms and related words
plural of instrument
"The orchestra began tuning their string instruments before the concert started."
In plain English: Instruments are tools used to create music or perform scientific tasks.
"The orchestra played beautifully as the musicians raised their instruments to begin the symphony."
Usage: Use "instruments" to refer to multiple tools used for performing scientific or musical tasks, or as a collective term for financial securities like stocks and bonds. Avoid using it to describe people or abstract concepts unless specifically referring to agents of change in a metaphorical sense.
Third-person singular simple present indicative form of instrument
In plain English: To instrument something means to add musical instruments to it so it can be played with music.
"The old watchmaker carefully instruments the delicate gears to fix the broken clock."
Usage: The word "instrument" is not used as a verb in standard English; it functions only as a noun referring to tools or musical devices. Using it as a verb to mean performing an action or serving a purpose is incorrect and should be avoided.
Derived from the Latin instrumentum, this term originally referred to tools, implements, or agricultural equipment used by farmers. It later broadened in English to denote any device designed to carry out a specific function or procedure.