(~s)
Frequency: The word is one of the 3000 most common words in English.
1.
An ~ is a tool or device that is used to do a particular task, especially a scientific task.
...~s for cleaning and polishing teeth...
The environment itself will at the same time be measured by about 60 scientific ~s.
N-COUNT: usu with supp
2.
A musical ~ is an object such as a piano, guitar, or flute, which you play in order to produce music.
Learning a musical ~ introduces a child to an understanding of music.
N-COUNT: oft supp N
3.
An ~ is a device that is used for making measurements of something such as speed, height, or sound, for example on a ship or plane or in a car.
...crucial ~s on the control panel.
N-COUNT: oft supp N
4.
Something that is an ~ for achieving a particular aim is used by people to achieve that aim.
The veto has been a traditional ~ of diplomacy for centuries.
N-COUNT: oft N of n
5.
see also stringed ~ , wind ~