/ ɪnˈstrʌkʃn; NAmE / noun , adjective
■ noun
1.
instructions [ pl. ] instruction (on how to do sth) detailed information on how to do or use sth
SYN directions :
Follow the instructions on the packet carefully.
The plant comes with full instructions on how to care for it.
Always read the instructions before you start.
2.
[ C , usually pl. ] instruction (to do sth) | instruction (that ... ) something that sb tells you to do
SYN order :
to ignore / carry out sb's instructions
I'm under instructions to keep my speech short.
3.
[ C ] a piece of information that tells a computer to perform a particular operation.
4.
[ U ] instruction (in sth) ( formal ) the act of teaching sth to sb :
religious instruction
■ adjective
[ only before noun ] giving detailed information on how to do or use sth (= giving instructions) :
an instruction book / manual
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : via Old French from late Latin instructio(n-) , from the verb instruere , from in- upon, towards + struere pile up.