Search the Dictionary

the humidity of bodies, particularly of the atmosphere, with the theory and use of the instruments constructed for this purpose.

An instrument which shows whether there is more or less moisture in the atmosphere, without indicating its amount.

An instrument for ascertaining the susceptibility of a person to hypnotic influences.

An instrument for measuring heights by observation of barometric pressure; esp., one for determining heights by ascertaining the boiling point of water. It consists of a vessel for water, with a lamp for heating it, and an inclosed thermometer for showing the temperature of ebullition.

inus gelidus) of the Antarctic seas, abundant among floating ice. -- Ice pick, a sharp instrument for breaking ice into small pieces. -- Ice pilot, a pilot who has charge of a vessel where the course is obstructed by ice, as in polar seas; -- called also ice master. -- Ice pitcher, a pitcher adapted for ice water.…

That which fulfills or supplies a want or use; esp., an instrument, toll, or utensil, as supplying a requisite to an end; as, the implements of trade, of husbandry, or of war. Genius must have talent as its complement and implement. Coleridge.

hich falsehood and forgery are proved; an action brought for the purpose of having some instrument declared false or forged. Bell.

e, or sing extemporaneously, especially in verse; to extemporize; also, to play upon an instrument, or to act, extemporaneously.

Not instrument (to); not appropriate; unbecoming; unsuitable; not specially fitted; -- followed by to or for. -- In`ap*pro"pri*ate*ly, adv. -- In`ap*pro"pri*ate*ness, n.

To cut in or into with a sharp instrument; to carve; to engrave. I on thy grave this epitaph incise. T. Carew.

by incising; the separation of the parts of any substance made by a cutting or pointed instrument; a cut; a gash.

Having the quality of incising, cutting, or penetrating, as with a sharp instrument; cutting; hence, sharp; acute; sarcastic; biting. "An incisive, high voice." G. Eliot. And her incisive smile accrediting That treason of false witness in my blush. Mrs. Browning.

nything, as the hand of a watch, a movable finger on a gauge, scale, or other graduated instrument. In printing, a sign [*] used to direct particular attention to a note or paragraph; -- called also fist.

A pressure gauge; a water gauge, as for a steam boiler; an apparatus or instrument for showing the working of a machine or moving part; as:

An instrument for ascertaining the strength of an indigo solution, as in volumetric analysis. Ure.

The act of writing on the back of a note, bill, or other written instrument.

An instrument for measuring or ascertaining the degree or rate of electrical induction.

of the inhabitants of hell; hellish; diabolical; as, infernal spirits, or conduct. The instruments or abettors in such infernal dealings. Addison. Infernal machine, a machine or apparatus maliciously designed to explode, and destroy life or property. -- Infernal stone (lapis infernalis), lunar caustic; formerly so ca…

Conducive; instrumental. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.

and health The tender crops. Chaucer. Descend, ye Nine, descend and sing, The breathing instruments inspire. Pope.