instrument

The word “instrument” means a tool, especially a precise one used for measuring, medical work, or scientific tasks. In plain terms, a tool — physical (like a scalpel or a guitar) or figurative (a means to an end).

“Instrument” is pronounced IHNST-ruh-muhnt (/ˈɪnstɹəmənt/ in IPA).

Here is “instrument” used in a sentence: “The surgeon laid out each instrument before the operation.”

“Instrument” is a noun.

The word “instrument” comes from Latin. From Latin instrumentum, "tool, equipment," from instruere ("to build, arrange, equip") + -mentum.

“Instrument” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Instrument” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a tool, especially a precise one used for measuring, medical work, or scientific tasks.

Both are devices used to do work, but "instrument" usually suggests a precise device for measuring, medical, or scientific tasks, while "tool" is broader and often implies manual or mechanical work. A surgeon uses instruments, whereas a carpenter uses tools.

"Instrument" on its own can mean either a precise scientific or medical device or a device for producing music, with context making the meaning clear. Adding "musical" specifies the sense of an object played to make music, such as a guitar or violin.

Common collocations include "musical instrument," "surgical instrument," "scientific instrument," and "financial instrument." Each pairing narrows the general meaning to a particular field.