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DictionaryRoot: -ation
English

-ation

an action, process, or result

Forms

  • -ation

Origin

Borrowed through French from Latin -atio, the form of an action ending used with many -are verbs.

Note

English speakers later attached this ending to bases that were not themselves Latin verbs.

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noun

instrumentation

Equipment used to measure, monitor, or control something, or its use.

The aircraft's instrumentation helps the pilot monitor speed and altitude.

Etymology
instrumentEnglishdevice; tool
+ationEnglishan action, process, or result

Instrument names a tool used to perform a task. The collective noun applies it to the measuring and controlling devices fitted to a system and to their use.

More examples

  • Modern instrumentation keeps the pressure inside the tank steady.
  • The lab uses sensitive instrumentation to detect tiny temperature changes.
  • Better instrumentation of the pipeline helps crews locate leaks.

Forms

instrument noun — A device for measuring, monitoring, or controlling.

Similar words

equipment
Covers tools and machines generally, not specifically measuring devices.
apparatus
Emphasizes a working setup, not necessarily for measurement or control.