word-vault

{ "term": "instrument", "partOfSpeech": "noun", "ox3000": true, "cefr": "a2", "definitions": [ { "senseNumber": 1, "definition": "an object used for producing musical sounds, for example a piano or a drum", "cefr": "a2", "ox3000": true, "examples": [ { "text": "to **play an instrument**" }, { "text": "Is he learning an instrument?" }, { "text": "percussion/brass/string instruments" }, { "text": "an instrument maker" }, { "text": "Ensure the instrument is tuned to concert pitch." }, { "text": "The instrument sounds like a cello." }, { "text": "The piece can be played on a keyboard instrument." }, { "text": "The score was written to be played on a keyboard instrument." }, { "text": "an instrument made by a violin maker in Canada" }, { "text": "baroque music played on period instruments" } ], "topics": ["Music"], "collocations": { "adjective": ["musical", "beautiful", "fine"], "verb + instrument": ["play", "learn", "learn to play"], "instrument + verb": ["sound"], "instrument + noun": ["maker"], "preposition": ["on an/the instrument"] } }, { "senseNumber": 2, "definition": "a tool or device used for a particular task, especially for specialist or scientific work", "sensetop": "instrument for somethinginstrument for doing something", "cefr": "b2", "ox3000": true, "examples": [ { "text": "surgical/optical/scientific instruments" }, { "text": "Scientists then began using powerful instruments to peer through the planet's dense atmosphere." }, { "text": "syringes, needles or other sharp instruments" }, { "text": "medieval instruments of torture such as the rack and the wheel" }, { "text": "Instruments for diagnosis and surgery have become hugely more sophisticated.", "contextForm": "instrument for something" }, { "text": "the world's most powerful instrument for detecting gamma rays", "contextForm": "instrument for doing something" }, { "text": "All pupils should learn to use drawing instruments." }, { "text": "All the instruments are made from glass capillary tubing." }, { "text": "a set of mathematical instruments" }, { "text": "This pen is the ideal precision instrument for all your graphic needs." }, { "text": "The autopsy revealed that the deceased had been hit with a blunt instrument." } ], "topics": ["Scientific research"], "collocations": { "adjective": ["precision", "sensitive", "sophisticated"], "… of instruments": ["set"], "verb + instrument": ["use", "check", "read"], "instrument + verb": ["measure something"], "instrument + noun": ["check", "maker", "panel"], "phrases": ["an instrument of torture"] } }, { "senseNumber": 3, "definition": "a device used for measuring speed, distance, temperature, etc. in a vehicle or on a machine", "cefr": "b2", "ox3000": true, "examples": [ { "text": "data gathered by instruments aboard the satellite" }, { "text": "the flight instruments" }, { "text": "There was a warning light flashing on the instrument panel." }, { "text": "to read the instruments and make a note of the wind speed and direction" }, { "text": "an instrument that measures light intensity" }, { "text": "The pilot did his instrument checks in preparation for take-off." } ], "topics": ["Engineering"], "collocations": { "adjective": ["precision", "sensitive", "sophisticated"], "… of instruments": ["set"], "verb + instrument": ["use", "check", "read"], "instrument + verb": ["measure something"], "instrument + noun": ["check", "maker", "panel"], "phrases": ["an instrument of torture"] } }, { "senseNumber": 4, "definition": "something that is used by somebody in order to achieve something; a person or thing that makes something happen", "sensetop": "instrument for (doing) somethinginstrument of something", "labels": "(formal)", "examples": [ { "text": "The law is not the best instrument for dealing with family matters.", "contextForm": "instrument for (doing) something" }, { "text": "an instrument of change", "contextForm": "instrument of something" }, { "text": "Even though it was a somewhat blunt instrument (= not very precise), our questionnaire provided us with some interesting ideas." }, { "text": "Internet polls are considered to be better instruments than telephone polls." }, { "text": "More effective instruments of oversight are needed." }, { "text": "They agreed that the UN was the best instrument for reaching agreement." }, { "text": "They saw criminal law as an instrument for improving public morals." }, { "text": "the use of language as an instrument of power and social control" }, { "text": "Financial aid can become an instrument of control rather than a support." }, { "text": "She was accused of making a public service an instrument of private advantage." }, { "text": "Some cynics say that popular music is a mere instrument of capitalist domination." } ], "collocations": { "adjective": ["chief", "key", "main"], "verb + instrument": [ "regard somebody/something as", "see somebody/something as", "view somebody/something as" ], "preposition": ["instrument for", "instrument of"] } }, { "senseNumber": 5, "definition": "a person who is used and controlled by somebody/something that is more powerful", "sensetop": "instrument of somebody/something", "labels": "(formal)", "examples": [ { "text": "an instrument of fate" }, { "text": "The despot claimed to be the chosen instrument of divine providence." } ] }, { "senseNumber": 6, "definition": "a formal legal document", "labels": "(law)", "examples": [ { "text": "credit instruments issued by banks" } ] } ], "pronunciations": { "uk": [ { "pronunciation": "/ˈɪnstrəmənt/", "audio": "in/instrument/instrument__gb_3.mp3" } ], "us": [ { "pronunciation": "/ˈɪnstrəmənt/", "audio": "in/instrument/instrument__us_1.mp3" } ] }, "wordOrigin": "Middle English: from Old French, or from Latin instrumentum ‘equipment, implement’, from the verb instruere ‘construct, equip’." }