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Instruments: meaning, definitions and examples

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instruments

 

[ˈɪnstrəmənts ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

musical

Tools or devices used for producing musical sounds. They can be classified into categories like string, wind, percussion, and electronic instruments.

Synonyms

musical devices, musical tools.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
instruments

General term used to refer to devices for performing tasks, but especially common in scientific, medical, or technical contexts.

  • The surgeon checked all the instruments before starting the operation.
  • The laboratory is filled with various scientific instruments for research.

Examples of usage

  • He played the guitar, one of the most popular string instruments.
  • The saxophone is a common wind instrument used in jazz music.
  • She enjoys playing the drums, a percussion instrument that requires rhythm and coordination.
Context #2 | Noun

medical

Tools or devices used by doctors or surgeons for medical procedures. They can include scalpels, forceps, and stethoscopes, among others.

Synonyms

medical devices, medical tools.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
instruments

General term used broadly for tools or devices designed to perform tasks, especially in technical, musical, or scientific fields.

  • The laboratory is filled with various scientific instruments.
  • She plays multiple musical instruments, including the piano and the guitar.
medical tools

Refers to handheld instruments or items used by medical professionals in procedures or examinations. Often used in a more specific context compared to 'medical devices'.

  • The surgeon sterilized her medical tools before the operation.
  • A basic medical kit should include essential medical tools like scissors and tweezers.
medical devices

Specific term for equipment used for medical purposes, either in diagnosis, treatment, or monitoring of health conditions.

  • The hospital just upgraded its diagnostic medical devices.
  • Insulin pumps are life-saving medical devices for diabetics.

Examples of usage

  • The surgeon carefully used the surgical instruments during the operation.
  • The doctor used a stethoscope, a common medical instrument, to listen to the patient's heartbeat.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'instrument' comes from the Latin 'instrumentum', which means 'a tool or implement'.
  • Originally used to describe both musical devices and general tools; the dual meaning shows the connection between making music and creating things.

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures have their own traditional instruments, like the sitar in India and the djembe in Africa, which reflect their unique histories.
  • Instruments have been pivotal in rituals and celebrations worldwide, emphasizing the importance of music in community bonding.

Science of Sound

  • Instruments work by vibrating air, strings, or membranes to create sound waves that reach our ears.
  • Different materials (wood, metal, plastic) affect the sound's tone and quality, showcasing how science influences music.

Evolution of Instruments

  • The earliest instruments were made from natural materials like wood and animal skin, evolving into the complex designs we see today.
  • The invention of the piano in the 1700s marked a significant advancement in instrument design, blending strings and percussion.

Modern Usage

  • Digital instruments and synthesizers have transformed how music is made, allowing for limitless creativity.
  • Instruments are now integral in various genres, from classical to electronic, showing their versatility and ongoing evolution.

Translations

Translations of the word "instruments" in other languages:

🇵🇹 instrumentos

🇮🇳 उपकरण

🇩🇪 Instrumente

🇮🇩 instrumen

🇺🇦 інструменти

🇵🇱 instrumenty

🇯🇵 楽器

🇫🇷 instruments

🇪🇸 instrumentos

🇹🇷 enstrümanlar

🇰🇷 악기

🇸🇦 أدوات

🇨🇿 nástroje

🇸🇰 nástroje

🇨🇳 工具

🇸🇮 instrumenti

🇮🇸 tæki

🇰🇿 аспаптар

🇬🇪 ინსტრუმენტები

🇦🇿 alətlər

🇲🇽 instrumentos

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,087, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.