in·struc·tion 
/ɪnˈstrʌkʃən/ noun
plural in·struc·tions /ɪnˈstrʌkʃən/ noun 1 [count] a : a statement that describes how to do something
▪ You should read each instruction carefully. — usually plural ▪ Our teacher gave us instructions for building the model. = Our teacher gave us instructions on how to build the model. ▪ The manual provides complete/detailed instructions [=directions] for installing the software. ▪ an instruction manual
b : an order or command
▪ Their instruction was to deliver the package by five o'clock. — usually plural ▪ We had instructions not to admit anyone. ▪ I gave you explicit instructions to be here by six o'clock. ▪ Don't you know how to follow instructions? [=directions] ▪ I did everything according to your instructions. 2 [noncount] : the action or process of teaching : the act of instructing someone
▪ The after-school program offers/provides reading instruction to students who need it. — often + in ▪ The students are receiving instruction in algebra. 3 [count] computers : a set of letters, numbers, etc., that tells a computer to do something
▪ The computer can handle one million instructions per second.
▪ You should read each instruction carefully. — usually plural ▪ Our teacher gave us instructions for building the model. = Our teacher gave us instructions on how to build the model. ▪ The manual provides complete/detailed instructions [=directions] for installing the software. ▪ an instruction manual
b : an order or command
▪ Their instruction was to deliver the package by five o'clock. — usually plural ▪ We had instructions not to admit anyone. ▪ I gave you explicit instructions to be here by six o'clock. ▪ Don't you know how to follow instructions? [=directions] ▪ I did everything according to your instructions.
▪ The after-school program offers/provides reading instruction to students who need it. — often + in ▪ The students are receiving instruction in algebra.
▪ The computer can handle one million instructions per second.
