Instrument (en. Instrument)

[ɛ̃stʁymɑ̃]

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
Object used to produce music.
She plays several instruments, such as the piano and the guitar.
Elle joue de plusieurs instruments, comme le piano et la guitare.
Device used in a specific field, such as medicine or science.
This laboratory is equipped with many measuring instruments.
Ce laboratoire est équipé de nombreux instruments de mesure.
Tool or means allowing an action to be accomplished.
Good planning is an essential instrument for successfully completing a project.
Un bon planning est un instrument essentiel pour réussir un projet.

Etymology

From Latin 'instrumentum', meaning 'tool, means'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

measuring instrument
Object used to determine quantities, such as a ruler or a thermometer.
instrument de mesure
musical instrument
Object specifically designed to create sounds, such as violin, trumpet, etc.
instrument de musique
working instrument
Essential tool for performing a specific task.
instrument de travail

Related Words

musical instruments
Objects used to produce sounds.
instruments de musique
surgical instruments
Tools used during surgical procedures.
instruments chirurgicaux
precision instruments
Devices intended for very precise measurements.
instruments de précision

Slang Meanings

Term used to refer to a person considered incompetent.
This student is really a tool in mathematics.
Cet élève est vraiment un instrument en mathématiques.
Used to refer to something secondary or of little importance.
Don't worry about the details; it's just a minor aspect of this project.
Ne te préoccupe pas des détails, c'est juste un instrument dans ce projet.