instrument: [13] Instrument comes from the same source as instruct: the Latin verb instruere ‘build, prepare, equip, teach’. From it was derived the noun instrūmentum, which meant ‘tool, equipment’. When introduced into English via Old French at the end of the 13th century it was used for a ‘musical instrument’, but the more general ‘implement’ and the metaphorical ‘means’ soon followed in the 14th century. => construct, destroy, instruct, structure
instrument (n.)
late 13c., "musical instrument," from Old French instrument "means, device; musical instrument" (14c., earlier estrument, 13c.) and directly from Latin instrumentem "a tool, apparatus, furniture, dress, document," from instruere "arrange, furnish" (see instruct). Meaning "tool, implement, utensil" is early 14c. in English; meaning "written document by which formal expression is given to a legal act" is from early 15c.
权威例句
1. An instrument called a trocar makes a puncture in the abdominal wall.
一种叫做套管针的工具在腹壁上刺了一个孔。
2. The veto has been a traditional instrument of diplomacy for centuries.
几个世纪以来否决权一直是外交上惯用的手段。
3. There is an internal circuit breaker to protect the instrument from overload.
内置有断路器,防止设备过载。
4. The despot claimed to be the chosen instrument of divine providence.
专制者声称自己是上天选定的统治工具.
5. There are twin holes on each side of the instrument.
这工具的两边各有一对孔眼.
词语辨析
【facility, equipment, instrument】
facility: n.指较大的设施、设备,尤指公用的、为大众带来便利的设备。
• The facility at that club includes tennis courts and a swimming pool. 那家俱乐部的体育设施包括网球场地和一个游泳池。
equipment: n.指生产、研究所需要的设备、装置,如各种机器和器材,是不可数名词。
• a factory with modern equipment 具有现代化设备的工厂
instrument: n.乐器,仪器,为某个用途而使用的工具。
• As a flexible actor, he can perform, sing, dance and play several kinds of musical instruments. 作为一个多才多艺的演员,他既可以表演,又会唱歌跳舞,还能够演奏不同种类的乐器。