instrument
instruments; instrumented
An instrument is usually a tool for making music, like a piano or a guitar, but it can also be used for almost any kind of tool or thing you use to get something done.
A thermometer is an instrument for measuring temperature. A violin is an instrument used for making music. Recent economic woes were blamed on the abuse of certain financial instruments, which is just a fancy way of saying "deals." Your eye is a very sensitive light-collecting instrument, though you'll need a man-made instrument, like an X-ray telescope, if you want to see light outside of the visible spectrum.
Definitions of instrument
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the means whereby some act is accomplished
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a person used by another to gain an end
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a device that requires skill for proper use
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types:
- show 205 types...
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analyser, analyzer
an instrument that performs analyses
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cauterant, cautery
an instrument or substance used to destroy tissue for medical reasons (eg removal of a wart) by burning it with a hot iron or an electric current or a caustic or by freezing it
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drafting instrument
an instrument used by a draftsman in making drawings
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engine
an instrument or machine that is used in warfare, such as a battering ram, catapult, artillery piece, etc.
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extractor
an instrument for extracting tight-fitting components
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instrument of execution
an instrument designed and used to take the life of a condemned person
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instrument of punishment
an instrument designed and used to punish a condemned person
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measuring device, measuring instrument, measuring system
instrument that shows the extent or amount or quantity or degree of something
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medical instrument
instrument used in the practice of medicine
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navigational instrument
an instrument used for navigating
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optical instrument
an instrument designed to aid vision
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plotter
an instrument (usually driven by a computer) for drawing graphs or pictures
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scientific instrument
an instrument used by scientists
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sonograph
an instrument that uses the differential transmission and reflection of ultrasonic waves in order to provide an image of a bodily organ
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surveying instrument, surveyor's instrument
an instrument used by surveyors
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tracer
an instrument used to make tracings
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arm, weapon, weapon system
any instrument or instrumentality used in fighting or hunting
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whip
an instrument with a handle and a flexible lash that is used for whipping
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accelerator, atom smasher, particle accelerator
a scientific instrument that increases the kinetic energy of charged particles
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accelerometer
an instrument for measuring the acceleration of aircraft or rockets
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actinometer
an instrument for measuring the intensity of electromagnetic radiation (usually by the photochemical effect)
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algometer
device for measuring pain caused by pressure
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alidad, alidade
surveying instrument used with a plane table for drawing lines of sight on a distant object and for measuring angles
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alidad, alidade
surveying instrument consisting of the upper movable part of a theodolite including the telescope and its attachments
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altazimuth
an instrument that measures the altitude and azimuth of celestial bodies; used in navigation
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altimeter
an instrument that measures the height above ground; used in navigation
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artificial horizon, flight indicator, gyro horizon
a navigational instrument based on a gyroscope; it artificially provides a simulated horizon for the pilot
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atmometer, evaporometer
an instrument that measures rate of evaporation of water
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audiometer, sonometer
an instrument used to measure the sensitivity of hearing
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ballistocardiograph, cardiograph
a medical instrument that measures the mechanical force of cardiac contractions and the amount of blood passing through the heart during a specified period by measuring the recoil of the body as blood is pumped from the ventricles
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barometer
an instrument that measures atmospheric pressure
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bathometer, bathymeter
an instrument that measures the depth of water
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battering ram
a ram used to break down doors of fortified buildings
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binoculars, field glasses, opera glasses
an optical instrument designed for simultaneous use by both eyes
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bolometer
an instrument that measures heat radiation; extremely sensitive
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bow
a weapon for shooting arrows, composed of a curved piece of resilient wood with a taut cord to propel the arrow
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bow and arrow
a weapon consisting of arrows and the bow to shoot them
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brass knuckles, brass knucks, knuckle duster, knuckles, knucks
a small metal weapon; worn over the knuckles on the back of the hand
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bronchoscope
a slender tubular instrument used to examine the bronchial tubes
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buret, burette
measuring instrument consisting of a graduated glass tube with a tap at the bottom; used for titration
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caliper, calliper
an instrument for measuring the distance between two points (often used in the plural)
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calorimeter
a measuring instrument that determines quantities of heat
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cangue
an instrument of punishment formerly used in China for petty criminals; consists of a heavy wooden collar enclosing the neck and arms
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cardiograph, electrocardiograph
medical instrument that records electric currents associated with contractions of the heart
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arbalest, arbalist, ballista, bricole, catapult, mangonel, onager, trebuchet, trebucket
an engine that provided medieval artillery used during sieges; a heavy war engine for hurling large stones and other missiles
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cat, cat-o'-nine-tails
a whip with nine knotted cords
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chronoscope
an instrument for accurate measurements of small intervals of time
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clinometer, inclinometer
an instrument used by surveyors in order to measure an angle of inclination or elevation
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colorimeter, tintometer
a measuring instrument used in colorimetric analysis to determine the quantity of a substance from the color it yields with specific reagents
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compass
navigational instrument for finding directions
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compass
drafting instrument used for drawing circles
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console
a scientific instrument consisting of displays and an input device that an operator can use to monitor and control a system (especially a computer system)
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counter tube
a measuring instrument for counting individual ionizing events
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cowhide
a heavy flexible whip braided from leather made from the hide of a cow
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craniometer
an instrument for measuring skull sizes
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cryocautery
an instrument for destroying tissue by freezing it
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cryoscope
a measuring instrument for measuring freezing and melting points
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cucking stool, ducking stool
an instrument of punishment consisting of a chair in which offenders were ducked in water
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declinometer, transit declinometer
an instrument for measuring magnetic declination
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densimeter, densitometer
a measuring instrument for determining density or specific gravity
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densitometer
a measuring instrument for determining optical or photographic density
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depth finder
navigational instrument used to measure the depth of a body of water (as by ultrasound or radar)
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dialysis machine, dialyzer
a medical instrument for separating substances in solution by unequal diffusion through semipermeable membranes
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diathermy machine
a medical instrument for local heating of bodily tissues for medical purposes
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divider
a drafting instrument resembling a compass that is used for dividing lines into equal segments or for transferring measurements
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dosemeter, dosimeter
a measuring instrument for measuring doses of ionizing radiation (X-rays or radioactivity)
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dynamometer, ergometer
measuring instrument designed to measure power
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echocardiograph
a sonograph that creates an image of the heart and its abnormalities
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echoencephalograph
a sonograph that creates an image of the brain and its abnormalities
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chair, death chair, electric chair, hot seat
an instrument of execution by electrocution; resembles an ordinary seat for one person
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electrodynamometer
measuring instrument that uses the interaction of the magnetic fields of two coils to measure current or voltage or power
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electroencephalograph
medical instrument that records electric currents generated by the brain
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electromyograph
a medical instrument that records the electrical waves associated with the activity of skeletal muscles
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electroscope
measuring instrument that detects electric charge; two gold leaves diverge owing to repulsion of charges with like sign
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endoscope
a long slender medical instrument for examining the interior of a bodily organ or performing minor surgery
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esophagoscope, oesophagoscope
an optical instrument for examining the inside of the esophagus
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eudiometer
measuring instrument consisting of a graduated glass tube for measuring volume changes in chemical reactions between gases
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fiberscope
a flexible medical instrument involving fiber optics that is used to examine internal organs
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fire ship
a weapon consisting of a ship carrying explosives that is set adrift to destroy enemy ships
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flamethrower
a weapon that squirts ignited fuel for several yards
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forceps
an extractor consisting of a pair of pincers used in medical treatment (especially for the delivery of babies)
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gallows
an instrument of execution consisting of a wooden frame from which a condemned person is executed by hanging
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garotte, garrote, garrotte, iron collar
an instrument of execution for execution by strangulation
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death chamber, gas chamber
instrument of execution consisting of a sealed chamber into which poison gas is introduced; used to kill people or animals
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gage, gauge
a measuring instrument for measuring and indicating a quantity such as the thickness of wire or the amount of rain etc.
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graduate
a measuring instrument for measuring fluid volume; a glass container (cup or cylinder or flask) whose sides are marked with or divided into amounts
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gravimeter, gravity meter
a measuring instrument for measuring variations in the gravitational field of the earth
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guillotine
instrument of execution that consists of a weighted blade between two vertical poles; used for beheading people
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gun
a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)
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heliometer
an instrument used to measure the angular separation of two stars that are too far apart to be included in the field of view of an ordinary telescope
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haematocrit, hematocrit
a measuring instrument to determine (usually by centrifugation) the relative amounts of corpuscles and plasma in the blood
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hodoscope
(physics) scientific instrument that traces the path of a charged particle
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horsewhip
a whip for controlling horses
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gravimeter, hydrometer
a measuring instrument for determining the specific gravity of a liquid or solid
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hygrometer
measuring instrument for measuring the relative humidity of the atmosphere
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dip circle, inclinometer
a measuring instrument for measuring the angle of magnetic dip (as from an airplane)
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inclinometer
an instrument showing the angle that an aircraft makes with the horizon
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instrument of torture
an instrument of punishment designed and used to inflict torture on the condemned person
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integrator, planimeter
a measuring instrument for measuring the area of an irregular plane figure
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interferometer
any measuring instrument that uses interference patterns to make accurate measurements of waves
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ionization chamber, ionization tube
a measuring instrument that measures the amount of ionizing radiation
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jeweler's glass
an optical instrument used by jewelers; has one or more lenses and is used to view features not readily seen
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katharometer
measures thermal conductivity
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keratoscope
medical instrument to examine the cornea in order to detect irregularities in its anterior surface
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kicksorter, pulse height analyzer
scientific instrument consisting of an electronic circuit that permits only voltage pulses of predetermined height to pass
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knife
a weapon with a handle and blade with a sharp point
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knout
a whip with a lash of leather thongs twisted with wire; used for flogging prisoners
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Kundt's tube
a measuring instrument used to measure the speed of sound
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cymograph, kymograph
scientific instrument consisting of a rotating drum holding paper on which a stylus traces a continuous record (as of breathing or blood pressure)
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laryngoscope
a medical instrument for examining the larynx
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lidar
a measuring system that detects and locates objects on the same principle as radar but uses light from a laser; a potential technology for detecting air turbulence that can affect aircraft
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light arm
a rifle or pistol
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log
measuring instrument that consists of a float that trails from a ship by a knotted line in order to measure the ship's speed through the water
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magnetograph
a scientific instrument that registers magnetic variations (especially variations of the earth's magnetic field)
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magnifier
a scientific instrument that magnifies an image
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measure, measuring rod, measuring stick
measuring instrument having a sequence of marks at regular intervals; used as a reference in making measurements
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meter
any of various measuring instruments for measuring a quantity
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microtome
scientific instrument that cuts thin slices of something for microscopic examination
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missile
a rocket carrying a warhead of conventional or nuclear explosives; may be ballistic or directed by remote control
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nephoscope
a measuring instrument that uses a grid for measuring the altitude, direction, and velocity of movement of clouds
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octant
a measuring instrument for measuring angles to a celestial body; similar to a sextant but with 45 degree calibration
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ophthalmoscope
medical instrument for examining the retina of the eye
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auriscope, auroscope, otoscope
medical instrument consisting of a magnifying lens and light; used for examining the external ear (the auditory meatus and especially the tympanic membrane)
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oximeter
a measuring instrument that measures the oxygen in arterial blood
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paddle
an instrument of punishment consisting of a flat board
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pedometer
measuring instrument for recording the number of steps taken in walking
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pelvimeter
measuring instrument for performing pelvimetry
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periscope
an optical instrument that provides a view of an otherwise obstructed field
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photometer
measuring instrument for measuring the luminous intensity of a source by comparing it (visually or photoelectrically) with a standard source
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piezometer
a measuring instrument for measuring high pressures
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pike
medieval weapon consisting of a spearhead attached to a long pole or pikestaff; superseded by the bayonet
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pillory
a wooden instrument of punishment on a post with holes for the wrists and neck; offenders were locked in and so exposed to public scorn
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pipet, pipette
measuring instrument consisting of a graduated glass tube used to measure or transfer precise volumes of a liquid by drawing the liquid up into the tube
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Pitot head, Pitot tube, Pitot-static tube
measuring instrument consisting of a combined Pitot tube and static tube that measures total and static pressure; used in aircraft to measure airspeed
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Pitot, Pitot tube
measuring instrument consisting of a right-angled tube with an open end that is directed in opposition to the flow of a fluid and used to measure the velocity of fluid flow
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plane table
surveying instrument consisting of a drawing board and a ruler that are mounted on a tripod; used to sight and map topographical details
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plethysmograph
a measuring instrument for measuring changes in volume of a part or organ or whole body (usually resulting from fluctuations in the amount of blood it contains)
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polygraph
a medical instrument that records several physiological processes simultaneously (e.g., pulse rate and blood pressure and respiration and perspiration)
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potentiometer
a measuring instrument for measuring direct current electromotive forces
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missile, projectile
a weapon that is forcibly thrown or projected at a target but is not self-propelled
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projector
an optical instrument that projects an enlarged image onto a screen
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protractor
drafting instrument used to draw or measure angles
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quadrant
a measuring instrument for measuring altitude of heavenly bodies
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quirt
whip with a leather thong at the end
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microwave radar, radar, radio detection and ranging, radiolocation
measuring instrument in which the echo of a pulse of microwave radiation is used to detect and locate distant objects
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range finder, rangefinder
a measuring instrument (acoustic or optical or electronic) for finding the distance of an object
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flagpole, range pole, ranging pole
surveying instrument consisting of a straight rod painted in bands of alternate red and white each one foot wide; used for sightings by surveyors
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refractometer
measuring instrument for measuring the refractive index of a substance
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rheometer
an instrument for measuring the flow of liquids (especially arterial blood)
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rhinoscope
medical instrument consisting of a mirror mounted at an angle on a rod; used to examine the nasal passages (through the nasopharynx)
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hunting crop, riding crop
a short whip with a thong at the end and a handle for opening gates
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scale, weighing machine
a measuring instrument for weighing; shows amount of mass
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sclerometer
a measuring instrument that measures the hardness of materials by penetrating them with a stylus that has a diamond point
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flagellum, scourge
a whip used to inflict punishment (often used for pedantic humor)
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searing iron
a hot iron used to destroy tissue
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sector
measuring instrument consisting of two graduated arms hinged at one end
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seismograph, seismometer
a measuring instrument for detecting and measuring the intensity and direction and duration of movements of the ground (as an earthquake)
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sensitometer
a measuring instrument for measuring the light sensitivity of film over a range of exposures
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sextant
a measuring instrument for measuring the angular distance between celestial objects; resembles an octant
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sights
an optical instrument for aiding the eye in aiming, as on a firearm or surveying instrument
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slasher
a weapon (a sword or dagger) used for slashing
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sling
a simple weapon consisting of a looped strap in which a projectile is whirled and then released
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asdic, echo sounder, sonar
a measuring instrument that sends out an acoustic pulse in water and measures distances in terms of the time for the echo of the pulse to return
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lance, shaft, spear
a long pointed rod used as a tool or weapon
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eyeglasses, glasses, specs, spectacles
optical instrument consisting of a frame that holds a pair of lenses for correcting defective vision
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prism spectroscope, spectroscope
an optical instrument for spectrographic analysis
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speculum
a medical instrument for dilating a bodily passage or cavity in order to examine the interior
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spherometer
a measuring instrument for measuring the curvature of a surface
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spirograph
a measuring instrument for recording the depth and rapidity of breathing movements
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spirometer
a measuring instrument for measuring the vital capacity of the lungs
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stake
instrument of execution consisting of a vertical post that a victim is tied to for burning
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static tube
a measuring instrument used to measure static pressure in a stream of fluid
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stethoscope
a medical instrument for listening to the sounds generated inside the body
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stocks
a former instrument of punishment consisting of a heavy timber frame with holes in which the feet (and sometimes the hands) of an offender could be locked
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strap
whip consisting of a strip of leather used in flogging
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strobe, strobe light, stroboscope
scientific instrument that provides a flashing light synchronized with the periodic movement of an object; can make moving object appear stationary
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stun baton, stun gun
a weapon designed to disable a victim temporarily by delivering a nonlethal high-voltage electric shock
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surgical instrument
a medical instrument used in surgery
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surveyor's level
surveying instrument consisting basically of a small telescope with an attached spirit level rotating around a vertical axis; for measuring relative heights of land
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switch
a flexible implement used as an instrument of punishment
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blade, brand, steel, sword
a cutting or thrusting weapon that has a long metal blade and a hilt with a hand guard
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synchroniser, synchronizer, synchronoscope, synchroscope
an instrument that indicates whether two periodic motions are synchronous (especially an instrument that enables a pilot to synchronize the propellers of a plane that has two or more engines)
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syringe
a medical instrument used to inject or withdraw fluids
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t-scope, tachistoscope
scientific instrument used by psychologists; presents visual stimuli for brief exposures
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tach, tachometer
measuring instrument for indicating speed of rotation
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tape, tape measure, tapeline
measuring instrument consisting of a narrow strip (cloth or metal) marked in inches or centimeters and used for measuring lengths
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telemeter
any scientific instrument for observing events at a distance and transmitting the information back to the observer
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tensiometer
a measuring instrument for measuring the surface tension of a liquid
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tensiometer
a measuring instrument for measuring the tension in a wire or fiber or beam
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tensiometer
a measuring instrument for measuring the moisture content of soil
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theodolite, transit
a surveying instrument for measuring horizontal and vertical angles, consisting of a small telescope mounted on a tripod
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thermograph
medical instrument that uses an infrared camera to reveal temperature variations on the surface of the body
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thermometer
measuring instrument for measuring temperature
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horologe, timekeeper, timepiece
a measuring instrument or device for keeping time
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hatchet, tomahawk
weapon consisting of a fighting ax; used by North American Indians
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tonometer
measuring instrument for measuring tension or pressure (especially for measuring intraocular pressure in testing for glaucoma)
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torsion balance
measuring instrument designed to measure small forces by the torsion they exert on a thin wire
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triangle
any of various triangular drafting instruments used to draw straight lines at specified angles
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T-square
a square used by draftsmen to draw parallel lines
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variometer
a measuring instrument for measuring variations in a magnetic field
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Venturi tube
a short tube inserted into a pipeline and used to measure the quantity of a liquid that is flowing in the pipeline
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viscometer, viscosimeter
a measuring instrument for measuring viscosity
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wattmeter
an instrument for measuring in watts the flow of power in an electrical circuit
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W.M.D., WMD, weapon of mass destruction
a weapon that kills or injures civilian as well as military personnel (nuclear and chemical and biological weapons)
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Greek fire
a mixture used by Byzantine Greeks that was often shot at adversaries; catches fire when wetted
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type of:
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device
an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose
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any of various devices or contrivances that can be used to produce musical tones or sounds
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synonyms:
musical instrument
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types:
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barrel organ, grind organ, hand organ, hurdy gurdy, hurdy-gurdy, street organ
a musical instrument that makes music by rotation of a cylinder studded with pegs
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bass
the member with the lowest range of a family of musical instruments
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calliope, steam organ
a musical instrument consisting of a series of steam whistles played from a keyboard
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electronic instrument, electronic musical instrument
a musical instrument that generates sounds electronically
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jew's harp, jews' harp, mouth bow
a small lyre-shaped musical instrument that is placed between the teeth and played by twanging a wire tongue while changing the shape of the mouth cavity
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keyboard instrument
a musical instrument that is played by means of a keyboard
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music box, musical box
produces music by means of pins on a revolving cylinder that strike the tuned teeth of a comb-like metal plate
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percussion instrument, percussive instrument
a musical instrument in which the sound is produced by one object striking another
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stringed instrument
a musical instrument in which taut strings provide the source of sound
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wind, wind instrument
a musical instrument in which the sound is produced by an enclosed column of air that is moved by the breath
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percussion
the group of instruments that are played by striking with a hand or object
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accordion, piano accordion, squeeze box
a portable box-shaped free-reed instrument; the reeds are made to vibrate by air from the bellows controlled by the player
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banjo
a stringed instrument of the guitar family that has long neck and circular body
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bass fiddle, bass viol, bull fiddle, contrabass, double bass, string bass
largest and lowest member of the violin family
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bass guitar
the guitar with six strings that has the lowest pitch
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bass horn, sousaphone, tuba
the lowest brass wind instrument
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bombard, bombardon
a large shawm; the bass member of the shawm family
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bones, castanets, clappers, finger cymbals
a percussion instrument consisting of a pair of hollow pieces of wood or bone (usually held between the thumb and fingers) that are made to click together (as by Spanish dancers) in rhythm with the dance
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bowed stringed instrument, string
stringed instruments that are played with a bow
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brass, brass instrument
a wind instrument that consists of a brass tube (usually of variable length) that is blown by means of a cup-shaped or funnel-shaped mouthpiece
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celesta
a musical instrument consisting of graduated steel plates that are struck by hammers activated by a keyboard
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bell, chime, gong
a percussion instrument consisting of a set of tuned bells that are struck with a hammer; used as an orchestral instrument
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chordophone
a stringed instrument of the group including harps, lutes, lyres, and zithers
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clavichord
an early stringed instrument like a piano but with more delicate sound
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Klavier, clavier
a stringed instrument that has a keyboard
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cymbal
a percussion instrument consisting of a concave brass disk; makes a loud crashing sound when hit with a drumstick or when two are struck together
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drum, membranophone, tympan
a musical percussion instrument; usually consists of a hollow cylinder with a membrane stretched across each end
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dulcimer
a stringed instrument used in American folk music; an elliptical body and a fretted fingerboard and three strings
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Hammond organ, electric organ, electronic organ, organ
(music) an electronic simulation of a pipe organ
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free-reed instrument
a wind instrument with a free reed
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glockenspiel, orchestral bells
a percussion instrument consisting of a set of graduated metal bars mounted on a frame and played with small hammers
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gong, tam-tam
a percussion instrument consisting of a metal plate that is struck with a softheaded drumstick
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guitar
a stringed instrument usually having six strings; played by strumming or plucking
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kazoo
a toy wind instrument that has a membrane that makes a sound when you hum into the mouthpiece
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kettle, kettledrum, timpani, tympani, tympanum
a large hemispherical brass or copper percussion instrument with a drumhead that can be tuned by adjusting the tension on it
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koto
Japanese stringed instrument that resembles a zither; has a rectangular wooden sounding board and usually 13 silk strings that are plucked with the fingers
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lagerphone
an Australian percussion instrument used for playing bush music; a long stick with bottle caps nailed loosely to it; played by hitting it with a stick or banging it on the ground
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maraca
a percussion instrument consisting of a hollow gourd containing pebbles or beans; often played in pairs
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marimba, xylophone
a percussion instrument with wooden bars tuned to produce a chromatic scale and with resonators; played with small mallets
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ocarina, sweet potato
egg-shaped terra cotta wind instrument with a mouthpiece and finger holes
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organ, pipe organ
wind instrument whose sound is produced by means of pipes arranged in sets supplied with air from a bellows and controlled from a large complex musical keyboard
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organ pipe, pipe, pipework
the flues and stops on a pipe organ
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forte-piano, piano, pianoforte
a keyboard instrument that is played by depressing keys that cause hammers to strike tuned strings and produce sounds
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pipe
a tubular wind instrument
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post horn
wind instrument used by postilions of the 18th and 19th centuries
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psaltery
an ancient stringed instrument similar to the lyre or zither but having a trapezoidal sounding board under the strings
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rain stick
a percussion instrument that is made from a dried cactus branch that is hollowed out and filled with small pebbles and capped at both ends; makes the sound of falling rain when tilted; origin was in Chile where tribesmen used it in ceremonies to bring rain
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samisen, shamisen
a Japanese stringed instrument resembling a banjo with a long neck and three strings and a fretted fingerboard and a rectangular soundbox; played with a plectrum
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sitar
a stringed instrument of India; has a long neck and movable frets; has 6 or 7 metal strings for playing and usually 13 resonating strings
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steel drum
a concave percussion instrument made from the metal top of an oil drum; has an array of flattened areas that produce different tones when struck (of Caribbean origin)
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synthesiser, synthesizer
(music) an electronic instrument (usually played with a keyboard) that generates and modifies sounds electronically and can imitate a variety of other musical instruments
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theremin
an electronic musical instrument; melodies can be played by moving the right hand between two rods that serve as antennas to control pitch; the left hand controls phrasing
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triangle
a percussion instrument consisting of a metal bar bent in the shape of an open triangle
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vibes, vibraharp, vibraphone
a percussion instrument similar to a xylophone but having metal bars and rotating disks in the resonators that produce a vibrato sound
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whistle
a small wind instrument that produces a whistling sound by blowing into it
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wood, woodwind, woodwind instrument
any wind instrument other than the brass instruments
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cither, zither, zithern
a musical stringed instrument with strings stretched over a flat sounding board; it is laid flat and played with a plectrum and with fingers
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type of:
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device
an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose
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the semantic role of the entity (usually inanimate) that the agent uses to perform an action or start a process
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synonyms:
instrumental role
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type of:
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participant role, semantic role
(linguistics) the underlying relation that a constituent has with the main verb in a clause
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participant role, semantic role
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equip with instruments for measuring, recording, or controlling
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write an instrumental score for
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synonyms:
instrumentate
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(law) a document that states some contractual relationship or grants some right
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synonyms:
legal document, legal instrument, official document
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types:
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articles of incorporation
a legal document that creates a corporation; it is filed with a state by the founders of a corporation and is governed by the laws of the state
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derivative, derivative instrument
a financial instrument whose value is based on another security
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negotiable instrument
an unconditional order or promise to pay an amount of money
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passport
a document issued by a country to a citizen allowing that person to travel abroad and re-enter the home country
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ship's papers
official papers which a ship is legally required to have; related to ownership, cargo, etc.
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manifest
a customs document listing the contents put on a ship or plane
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debenture
a certificate or voucher acknowledging a debt
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power of attorney
a legal instrument authorizing someone to act as the grantor's agent
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letters of administration
legal document naming someone to administer an estate when no executor has been named
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letters testamentary
a legal document from a probate court or court officer informing you of your appointment as executor of a will and empowering you to discharge those responsibilities
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work papers, work permit, working papers
a legal document giving information required for employment of certain people in certain countries
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act, enactment
a legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee or society or legislative body
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law
legal document setting forth rules governing a particular kind of activity
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bill, measure
a statute in draft before it becomes law
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brief, legal brief
a document stating the facts and points of law of a client's case
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testament, will
a legal document declaring a person's wishes regarding the disposal of their property when they die
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living will
a document written by someone still legally capable requesting that he should be allowed to die if subsequently severely disabled or suffering terminal illness
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deed, deed of conveyance, title
a legal document signed and sealed and delivered to effect a transfer of property and to show the legal right to possess it
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assignment
the instrument by which a claim or right or interest or property is transferred from one person to another
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deed of trust, trust deed
a written instrument legally conveying property to a trustee often used to secure an obligation such as a mortgage or promissory note
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conveyance
document effecting a property transfer
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income tax return, return, tax return
document giving the tax collector information about the taxpayer's tax liability
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licence, license, permit
a legal document giving official permission to do something
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letters patent, patent
an official document granting a right or privilege
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judgement, judgment, legal opinion, opinion
the legal document stating the reasons for a judicial decision
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acquittance, release
a legal document evidencing the discharge of a debt or obligation
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judicial writ, writ
(law) a legal document issued by a court or judicial officer
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authorisation, authorization, mandate
a document giving an official instruction or command
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affidavit
written declaration made under oath; a written statement sworn to be true before someone legally authorized to administer an oath
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written agreement
a legal document summarizing the agreement between parties
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bill of indictment, indictment
a formal document written for a prosecuting attorney charging a person with some offense
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impeachment
a formal document charging a public official with misconduct in office
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arraignment
a legal document calling someone to court to answer an indictment
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certificate, security
a formal declaration that documents a fact of relevance to finance and investment; the holder has a right to receive interest or dividends
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Old Testament
the collection of books comprising the sacred scripture of the Hebrews and recording their history as the chosen people; the first half of the Christian Bible
-
New Testament
the collection of books of the Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, the Pauline and other epistles, and Revelation; composed soon after Christ's death; the second half of the Christian Bible
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futures contract
an agreement to buy or sell a specific amount of a commodity or financial instrument at a particular price on a stipulated future date; the contract can be sold before the settlement date
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contract
a binding agreement between two or more persons that is enforceable by law
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stock power
a power of attorney document to transfer ownership of a registered security from the owner to another party
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proxy
a power of attorney document given by shareholders of a corporation authorizing a specific vote on their behalf at a corporate meeting
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nullity
something that is null (especially an enactment that has no legal validity)
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anti-drug law
a law forbidding the sale or use of narcotic drugs
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RICO, RICO Act, Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, anti-racketeering law
law intended to eradicate organized crime by establishing strong sanctions and forfeiture provisions
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antitrust law, antitrust legislation
law intended to promote free competition in the market place by outlawing monopolies
-
statute of limitations
a statute prescribing the time period during which legal action can be taken
-
constitution, fundamental law, organic law
law determining the fundamental political principles of a government
-
public law
a law affecting the public at large
-
appropriation bill
a legislative act proposing to authorize the expenditure of public funds for a specified purpose
-
bill of attainder
a legislative act finding a person guilty of treason or felony without a trial
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bottle bill
a statute that would require merchants to reclaim used bottles
-
farm bill
a statute that would regulate farm production and prices
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trade bill
a statute that would regulate foreign trade
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blue law
a statute regulating work on Sundays
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blue sky law
a state law regulating the sale of securities in an attempt to control the sale of securities in fraudulent enterprises
-
gag law
any law that limits freedom of the press
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homestead law
a law conferring privileges on owners of homesteads
-
poor law
a law providing support for the poor
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Riot Act
a former English law requiring mobs to disperse after a magistrate reads the law to them
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court order
a writ issued by a court of law requiring a person to do something or to refrain from doing something
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decree, edict, fiat, order, rescript
a legally binding command or decision entered on the court record (as if issued by a court or judge)
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prohibition
a law forbidding the sale of alcoholic beverages
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amicus curiae brief
a brief presented by someone interested in influencing the outcome of a lawsuit but who is not a party to it
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bill of sale
a deed transferring personal property
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deed poll
a deed made and executed by only one party
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enfeoffment
under the feudal system, the deed by which a person was given land in exchange for a pledge of service
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mortgage deed
deed embodying a mortgage
-
title deed
a legal document proving a person's right to property
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quitclaim, quitclaim deed
document transferring title or right or claim to another
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warrant
a writ from a court commanding police to perform specified acts
-
amended return
a tax return that corrects the information in an earlier return
-
declaration of estimated tax, estimated tax return
return required of a taxpayer whose tax withheld from income does not meet the tax liability for the year
-
false return
an incorrect income tax return
-
information return
a return that provides information to the tax collector but does not compute the tax liability
-
joint return
a return filed by a husband and wife
-
building permit
a document authorizing the holder to construct a building of a particular kind on a particular lot
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driver's licence, driver's license, driving licence, driving license
a license authorizing the bearer to drive a motor vehicle
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fishing licence, fishing license, fishing permit
a license authorizing the bearer to fish during a specified period of time
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game license, hunting licence, hunting license, hunting permit
a license authorizing the bearer to kill a certain type of animal during a specified period of time
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learner's permit
a document authorizing the bearer to learn to drive an automobile
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letter of mark and reprisal, letter of marque, letters of marque
a license to a private citizen to seize property of another nation
-
liquor licence, liquor license
a license authorizing the holder to sell alcoholic beverages
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marriage licence, marriage license, wedding licence, wedding license
a license authorizing two people to marry
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occupation licence, occupation license
a license to pursue a particular occupation
-
concurring opinion
an opinion that agrees with the court's disposition of the case but is written to express a particular judge's reasoning
-
dissenting opinion
an opinion that disagrees with the court's disposition of the case
-
majority opinion
the opinion joined by a majority of the court (generally known simply as `the opinion')
-
assize
an ancient writ issued by a court of assize to the sheriff for the recovery of property
-
certiorari, writ of certiorari
a common law writ issued by a superior court to one of inferior jurisdiction demanding the record of a particular case
-
habeas corpus, writ of habeas corpus
a writ ordering a prisoner to be brought before a judge
-
venire facias
a judicial writ ordering a sheriff to summon people for jury duty
-
mandamus, writ of mandamus
an extraordinary writ commanding an official to perform a ministerial act that the law recognizes as an absolute duty and not a matter for the official's discretion; used only when all other judicial remedies fail
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attachment
a writ authorizing the seizure of property that may be needed for the payment of a judgment in a judicial proceeding
-
fieri facias
a writ ordering a levy on the belongings of a debtor to satisfy the debt
-
scire facias
a judicial writ based on some record and requiring the party against whom it is brought to show cause why the record should not be enforced or annulled
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sequestration
a writ that authorizes the seizure of property
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writ of detinue
a writ ordering the release of goods that have been unlawfully detained
-
writ of election
a writ ordering the holding of an election
-
writ of error
a judicial writ from an appellate court ordering the court of record to produce the records of trial
-
writ of prohibition
a judicial writ from a higher court ordering a lower court not to exercise jurisdiction in a particular case
-
writ of right
a writ ordering that land be restored to its rightful owner
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process, summons
a writ issued by authority of law; usually compels the defendant's attendance in a civil suit; failure to appear results in a default judgment against the defendant
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subpoena, subpoena ad testificandum
a writ issued by court authority to compel the attendance of a witness at a judicial proceeding; disobedience may be punishable as a contempt of court
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subpoena duces tecum
a writ issued by a court at the request of one of the parties to a suit; it requires a witness to bring to court or to a deposition any relevant documents under the witness's control
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legislative act, statute
an act passed by a legislative body
-
liberty chit, pass
a permit to enter or leave a military installation
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verification
(law) an affidavit attached to a statement confirming the truth of that statement
-
fatwah
(Islam) a legal opinion or ruling issued by an Islamic scholar
-
dictum, obiter dictum
an opinion voiced by a judge on a point of law not directly bearing on the case in question and therefore not binding
-
submission
a legal document summarizing an agreement between parties in a dispute to abide by the decision of an arbiter
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compact, concordat, covenant
a signed written agreement between two or more parties (nations) to perform some action
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indenture
formal agreement between the issuer of bonds and the bondholders as to terms of the debt
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obligation
a legal agreement specifying a payment or action and the penalty for failure to comply
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accord, pact, treaty
a written agreement between two states or sovereigns
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murder charge, murder indictment
an indictment charging someone with murder
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true bill
an indictment endorsed by a grand jury
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option
the right to buy or sell property at an agreed price; the right is purchased and if it is not exercised by a stated date the money is forfeited
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agency security, government security
a security issued by United States government agencies or the Farm Credit System
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mortgage-backed security
a security created when a group of mortgages are gathered together and bonds are sold to other institutions or the public; investors receive a portion of the interest payments on the mortgages as well as the principal payments; usually guaranteed by the government
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registered security
a security whose owner's name is recorded on the books of the issuer (or issuer's agent)
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bill of exchange, draft, order of payment
a document ordering the payment of money; drawn by one person or bank on another
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escrow
a written agreement (or property or money) delivered to a third party or put in trust by one party to a contract to be returned after fulfillment of some condition
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devise
a will disposing of real property
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scrip
a certificate whose value is recognized by the payer and payee; scrip is not currency but may be convertible into currency
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stock, stock certificate
a certificate documenting the shareholder's ownership in the corporation
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tax-exempt, tax-exempt security
a security that is not subject to taxation
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bond, bond certificate
a certificate of debt (usually interest-bearing or discounted) that is issued by a government or corporation in order to raise money; the issuer is required to pay a fixed sum annually until maturity and then a fixed sum to repay the principal
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zero coupon security, zero-coupon security
a security that makes no interest payments but instead is sold at a deep discount from its face value
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partnership certificate
a certificate showing the interests of all parties in a business partnership
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proprietorship certificate
a certificate showing who is responsible in an individually owned business
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convertible, convertible security
a corporate security (usually bonds or preferred stock) that can be exchanged for another form of security (usually common stock)
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letter security
a stock or bond that is not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and cannot be sold in the public market
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listed security
a security that has been accepted for trading by one of the organized and registered securities exchanges in the US
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OTC security, over the counter security, unlisted security
a security traded in the over-the-counter market
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type of:
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document, papers, written document
writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)
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address a legal document to
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘instrument'.
Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors.
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