ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈtāshən, -ˌmen.- noun
( -s )
Etymology: instrument (I) + -ation
1. : a use of or operation with instruments: as
a. : the use of one or more instruments in treating a patient (as in the passing of a cystoscope)
b. : the application of instruments especially for observation, measurement, or control (as in a manufacturing process or the operation of a machine or vehicle)
2. : means , agency , instrumentality
3.
a.
[French, from instrument (from Middle French, from Latin instrumentum instrument) + -ation ]
: the arrangement or composition of music for instruments especially for a band or orchestra — compare orchestration
b. : the act or manner of playing musical instruments
c. : the arrangement and distribution of instruments (as in a band or orchestra)
4.
a. : a branch of science concerned with the development, manufacture, and utilization of instruments
b. : instruments or the group of instruments employed for a particular purpose (as the control of a machine or recording the data about the function of a vehicle)