Definition

Noun: An instrument that shows the extent, amount, quantity, or degree of something. It is a device used to obtain a quantitative measurement of a physical property or variable.

Usage

A "measuring instrument" is used to determine the magnitude of a quantity. It is a standard term in science, engineering, and daily life for tools that provide numerical data about physical attributes like length, temperature, pressure, or time.

Examples

• The thermometer is a measuring instrument for temperature.
• Accurate scientific experiments require calibrated measuring instruments.
• A ruler is a simple measuring instrument for length.

Advanced Usage

• "Traceable to a standard": Refers to a measuring instrument whose calibration can be verified against a national or international standard.
  • For legal trade, all weighing scales must be traceable to a standard.
• "Instrumentation and control": A field of engineering focused on the design and use of measuring instruments to monitor and regulate processes.
  • He works in instrumentation and control for a chemical plant.

Variants and Related Words

• Measuring device: A more general synonym for measuring instrument.
• Meter: Often used for instruments that measure and display a quantity, especially in a continuous stream (e.g., water meter, gas meter).
• Gauge: Typically refers to an instrument for measuring a quantity, often where the value is indicated on a marked dial or scale (e.g., pressure gauge, fuel gauge).
• Sensor: A device that detects or measures a physical property and records, indicates, or otherwise responds to it. A sensor is often a key component within a measuring instrument.

Synonyms

• Meter
• Gauge
• Measuring device

Related Phrases

• Measuring system: A set of measuring instruments and other equipment assembled to measure a particular quantity or set of quantities.
  • The laboratory installed a new measuring system for air quality.
• Take a measurement: The act of using a measuring instrument.
  • Before cutting the wood, take a careful measurement.

Noun

1. instrument that shows the extent or amount or quantity or degree of something