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Added 7 October 2026

instrument

/ˈɪnstɹəmənt/ noun

In Latin: organum Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about instrument at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A device used to produce music.
The violinist was a master of her instrument.
A means or agency for achieving an aspect.
A measuring or displaying device.
The instrument detected an increase in radioactivity.

verb

To apply measuring devices.
an instrumented test article
To devise, conceive, cook up, plan.
To perform upon an instrument; to prepare for an instrument.
a sonata instrumented for orchestra

Origin

From Middle English instrument, from Old French instrument, from Latin īnstrūmentum (“an implement, tool”), From īnstruō (“build, construct; arrange”) + -mentum.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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