Instrument vs. Machine: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 18, 2023
Instruments are tools for precise work or measurement, while machines are devices that perform tasks, often powered mechanically.
Key Differences
An instrument is generally a tool used for delicate, accurate work or to measure physical quantities, requiring human control for its operation; a machine, however, is typically a device, often large and powered by electricity or mechanical forces, designed to perform a specific task, generally without constant human guidance.
Instruments are often handheld, like a surgeon's scalpel or a scientist's microscope, used to perform tasks with precision; machines, like a car or a washing machine, perform tasks more autonomously, often requiring an initial setup or input but operating independently afterward.
Instruments are usually designed for specific tasks, such as a thermometer for measuring temperature or a barometer for atmospheric pressure; machines, on the other hand, can carry out a series of operations and might have multiple integrated functions, like a robot assembling cars in a factory.
Instruments, due to their precision-based nature, are predominantly used in fields requiring detailed work or analysis, such as medicine, science, or music; machines are commonly found in industries and homes, performing a range of tasks from manufacturing goods to household chores.
Despite their differences, both instruments and machines are essential aspects of modern life, significantly contributing to various fields; instruments offer precision and detail, while machines provide efficiency and automation in task execution.
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Comparison Chart
Function
Precise work or measurement
Performs tasks, often automatically
Human Involvement
Requires human control
Operates independently after setup
Usage
Specific tasks
Multiple functions, series of operations
Field of Application
Medicine, science, music
Industry, manufacturing, household
Power
Often manual
Usually requires an external power source
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Instrument and Machine Definitions
Instrument
A device used for scientific measurement.
The researcher used an instrument to measure the seismic activity.
Machine
An apparatus using mechanical power to perform tasks.
The machine roared to life, its gears turning smoothly.
Instrument
A tool or implement used to do or facilitate work, especially a small precision tool used by a professional
Sterilized the scalpel and other surgical instruments.
Machine
A person or group that operates in an organized and efficient way.
The organization was a fundraising machine.
Instrument
A device for recording, measuring, or controlling, especially such a device functioning as part of a control system.
Machine
A computer or system of computers.
She booted up her machine and began to code.
Instrument
(Music) A device designed to enable a person to make musical sounds, as by blowing into it, striking it, depressing the keys on a keyboard, or plucking, strumming, or running a bow over strings.
Machine
A device consisting of fixed and moving parts that redirects mechanical energy to accomplish a particular task or set of tasks.
Instrument
A means by which something is done; an agency
"The gods are just, and of our pleasant vices / Make instruments to plague us" (Shakespeare).
Machine
See simple machine.
Instrument
One used by another to accomplish a purpose; a dupe.
Machine
See compound machine.
Instrument
A legal document, especially one that represents a right of payment or conveys an interest, such as a check, promissory note, deed, or will.
Machine
A system or device for doing work, as an automobile or jackhammer, together with its power source and auxiliary equipment.
Instrument
To provide or equip with instruments.
Machine
A system or device, such as a computer, that performs or assists in the performance of a human task
The machine is down.
Instrument
(Music) To compose or arrange for performance.
Machine
An intricate natural system or organism, such as the human body.
Instrument
A device used to produce music.
The violinist was a master of her instrument.
Machine
A person who acts in a rigid, mechanical, or unconscious manner.
Instrument
A means or agency for achieving an effect.
Machine
An organized group of people whose members are or appear to be under the control of one or more leaders
A political machine.
Instrument
A measuring or displaying device.
The instrument detected an increase in radioactivity.
Machine
A device used to produce a stage effect, especially a mechanical means of lowering an actor onto the stage.
Instrument
A tool, implement used for manipulation or measurement.
The dentist set down his tray of instruments.
The scientist recorded the temperature with a thermometer but wished he had a more accurate instrument.
Machine
A literary device used to produce an effect, especially the introduction of a supernatural being to resolve a plot.
Instrument
Ellipsis of flight instrument
Flight within clouds must be made by reference to your instruments.
Machine
An answering machine
Leave a message on my machine if I'm not home.
Instrument
(legal) A legal document, such as a contract, deed, trust, mortgage, power, indenture, or will.
A bond indenture is the instrument that gives a bond its value.
Negotiable instruments are the foundation of the debt markets.
Machine
Of, relating to, or felt to resemble a machine
Machine repairs.
Machine politics.
Instrument
(figuratively) A person used as a mere tool for achieving a goal.
Machine
To cut, shape, or finish by machine.
Instrument
(transitive) To apply measuring devices.
An instrumented test article
Machine
To be cut, shaped, or finished by machine
This metal machines easily.
Instrument
(transitive) To devise, conceive, cook up, plan.
Machine
A device that directs and controls energy, often in the form of movement or electricity, to produce a certain effect.
Instrument
To perform upon an instrument; to prepare for an instrument.
A sonata instrumented for orchestra
Machine
(dated) A vehicle operated mechanically, such as an automobile or an airplane.
Instrument
That by means of which any work is performed, or result is effected; a tool; a utensil; an implement; a device; as, the instruments of a mechanic; astronomical instruments.
All the lofty instruments of war.
Machine
An answering machine or, by extension, voice mail.
I called you earlier, but all I got was the machine.
Instrument
A contrivance or implement, by which musical sounds are produced; as, a musical instrument.
Praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
But signs when songs and instruments he hears.
Machine
(computing) A computer.
Game developers assume they're pushing the limits of the machine.
He refuses to turn off his Linux machine.
Instrument
A writing, as the means of giving formal expression to some act; a writing expressive of some act, contract, process, as a deed, contract, writ, etc.
Machine
(figuratively) A person or organisation that seemingly acts like a machine, being particularly efficient, single-minded, or unemotional.
Bruce Campbell was a "demon-killing machine" because he made quick work of killing demons.
The government has become a money-making machine.
Instrument
One who, or that which, is made a means, or is caused to serve a purpose; a medium, means, or agent; as, their army was primarily an instrument of oppression.
Or useful serving man and instrument,To any sovereign state.
The bold are but the instruments of the wise.
Machine
Especially, the group that controls a political or similar organization; a combination of persons acting together for a common purpose, with the agencies which they use.
Instrument
To perform upon an instrument; to prepare for an instrument; as, a sonata instrumented for orchestra.
Machine
(poetry) Supernatural agency in a poem, or a superhuman being introduced to perform some exploit.
Instrument
To furnish or equip with instruments; to attach instruments to; as, the fighter planes were heavily instrumented; the patient was instrumented to monitor him remotely.
Machine
The system of special interest groups that supports a political party, especially in urban areas.
Instrument
A device that requires skill for proper use
Machine
Penis.
Instrument
The means whereby some act is accomplished;
My greed was the instrument of my destruction
Science has given us new tools to fight disease
Machine
(historical) A contrivance in the Ancient Greek theatre for indicating a change of scene, by means of which a god might cross the stage or deliver a divine message; the deus ex machina.
Instrument
A person used by another to gain an end
Machine
(obsolete) A bathing machine.
Instrument
(law) a document that states some contractual relationship or grants some right
Machine
To make by machinery.
Instrument
The semantic role of the entity (usually inanimate) that the agent uses to perform an action or start a process
Machine
To shape or finish by machinery; (usually, more specifically) to shape subtractively by metal-cutting with machine-controlled toolpaths.
Instrument
Any of various devices or contrivances that can be used to produce musical tones or sounds
Machine
In general, any combination of bodies so connected that their relative motions are constrained, and by means of which force and motion may be transmitted and modified, as a screw and its nut, or a lever arranged to turn about a fulcrum or a pulley about its pivot, etc.; especially, a construction, more or less complex, consisting of a combination of moving parts, or simple mechanical elements, as wheels, levers, cams, etc., with their supports and connecting framework, calculated to constitute a prime mover, or to receive force and motion from a prime mover or from another machine, and transmit, modify, and apply them to the production of some desired mechanical effect or work, as weaving by a loom, or the excitation of electricity by an electrical machine.
Instrument
Equip with instruments for measuring, recording, or controlling
Machine
Any mechanical contrivance, as the wooden horse with which the Greeks entered Troy; a coach; a bicycle.
Instrument
Write an instrumental score for
Machine
A person who acts mechanically or at the will of another.
Instrument
Address a legal document to
Machine
A combination of persons acting together for a common purpose, with the agencies which they use; as, the social machine.
The whole machine of government ought not to bear upon the people with a weight so heavy and oppressive.
Instrument
A tool or implement, especially one for precision work.
The surgeon picked up his instrument and began the operation.
Machine
A political organization arranged and controlled by one or more leaders for selfish, private or partisan ends; the Tammany machine.
Instrument
A means by which something is achieved, performed, or furthered.
He considered his writing an instrument of change.
Machine
Supernatural agency in a poem, or a superhuman being introduced to perform some exploit.
Instrument
A document or legal paper.
The official signed the instrument, finalizing the agreement.
Machine
To subject to the action of machinery; to make, cut, shape, or modify with a machine; to effect by aid of machinery; to print with a printing machine.
Machine
Any mechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy to perform or assist in the performance of human tasks
Machine
An intricate organization that accomplishes its goals efficiently;
The war machine
Machine
An efficient person;
The boxer was a magnificent fighting machine
Machine
4-wheeled motor vehicle; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine;
He needs a car to get to work
Machine
A group that controls the activities of a political party;
He was endorsed by the Democratic machine
Machine
A device for overcoming resistance at one point by applying force at some other point
Machine
Turn, shape, mold, or otherwise finish by machinery
Machine
Make by machinery;
The Americans were machining while others still hand-made cars
Machine
A vehicle, such as an automobile or motorcycle.
He revved his machine before zooming down the road.
Machine
A device that transmits or modifies force or motion.
The simple machine made the work much easier.
FAQs
Is a musical instrument also considered an instrument in general context?
Yes, musical instruments fall under the broader category of instruments.
Are instruments only handheld?
Not always, some are larger or fixed in place, depending on their function.
Can instruments be electronic?
Yes, many modern instruments are electronic for precision and convenience.
Do all machines have moving parts?
Most do, but some machines function without mechanically moving components.
Does a machine operate autonomously?
Many machines do, but they generally require a human to initiate their operation.
Do instruments require training to use?
Often, yes, especially for precision instruments like those used in surgery or scientific research.
Is an instrument always used for scientific purposes?
No, instruments can also be musical, medical, or used in various other fields.
Are all medical tools considered instruments?
Most are, as they’re used for precision tasks like examination, diagnosis, or surgery.
Are all machines powered by electricity?
No, machines can be manually operated or powered by various sources.
What's a simple machine?
It's a basic mechanical device for applying force, like a lever or pulley.
What materials are instruments made from?
Various materials, including metal, plastic, or even glass, depending on their purpose.
Can machines perform more than one task?
Yes, many machines are multifunctional.
Are machines found only in industries?
No, machines are ubiquitous, found in homes, offices, and many other places.
Are machines replaceable with technology advancements?
Often, yes. As technology progresses, older machines can be replaced by more advanced models.
Can an instrument be considered a machine?
Generally, no, as instruments are typically for precision tasks, not performing work through energy.
Are instruments used in daily life?
Yes, from cooking utensils to thermometers, they’re common.
Do machines always need maintenance?
Generally, yes, to ensure efficient and safe operation.
Can an instrument be automated like a machine?
Some modern instruments have automated features, but they generally require human oversight.
Can a machine be a computer program?
In modern usage, yes, virtual or software-based systems are often called machines.
What powers a machine?
Various sources, including electricity, manual force, or even thermal power.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
