instrument English · revision 6710

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=borrowing|attested=c. 1290|origins=la struo}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ˈɪnstɹəmənt/, /ˈɪnstɹʊmənt/^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is [[bor|fro|instrument|t=means, device; musical instrument]] and directly [[bor|la|instrumentum|t=tool, apparatus, furniture, dress, document]],^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024) from [[m|la|instruo|alt=instruere|t=to arrange, equip]] (see [[instruct]]),^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline) from [[m|la|in-|t=on]] and [[m|la|struo|alt=struere|t=to pile, build]], from PIE [[ine-pro|*sterh₃-|alt=*stere-|t=to spread]].^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ A musical instrument: about 1290 in the OED, the late 13th century in Etymonline,^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline) about 1300 in Barnhart.^(Barnhart 1988)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ A tool or device is from the early 14th century, probably before 1325 in Barnhart,^(Etymonline)^(Barnhart 1988) and a means or agency, including a person used by another, from the mid-14th century.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989) The OED notes that an instrument is now usually distinguished from a tool as used for delicate, scientific or artistic work.^(Etymonline) A legal document is from the early 15th century, 1483 in the OED.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989) A bodily organ was formerly an instrument, as in Chaucer's Wife of Bath.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989) A measuring or control device in a vehicle or aircraft follows.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023) [[instrumental|alt=Instrumental]] is from before 1398, and of music for instruments from 1509.^(Barnhart 1988)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * c. 1290 – a musical instrument.^(OED 1989)

+ * before 1325 – a tool.^(Barnhart 1988)

+ * 1340 – a means or agent.^(OED 1989)

+ * early 15th century – a legal document.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1509 – instrumental music.^(Barnhart 1988)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # A device for producing musical sounds.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # A tool or implement, especially for precise work: ''surgical instruments''.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # A device for measuring or controlling, as on a [[dashboard]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # A means by which something is done; a person used by another as a [[tool]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # ''(law)'' A formal legal [[document]], such as a deed or contract.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ===Verb===

+ # To equip with instruments; to [[orchestrate]] music.^(AHD)^(SOED 2002)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[instrumentation]]

+ * [[instrument panel]]

+ * [[reed instrument]]

+ * [[transit instrument]]

+ * [[brass instrument]]

+ * [[instrument flying]]

+ * [[flight instrument]]

+ * [[percussion instrument]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[instrumental]]

+ * [[construe]]

+ * [[instruct]]

+ * [[structure]]

+ * [[construct]]

+ * [[destroy]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}