instance

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Computing Technical

n. a single copy of a computer program or a database that is currently running.

n. a specific realization of any object in computing, such as a running process, a database, or an object in object-oriented programming.

“You can run more than one instance of the app at the same time.”

“The cloud architect recommended launching a separate instance of the database to handle the increased traffic from the marketing campaign.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Computing Technical

n. an independent server on a social network like Mastodon.

n. an independent server that runs a specific software protocol within a federated or decentralized network.

“I decided to join a smaller instance of the social network to find people with similar hobbies.”

“Users on one instance can still communicate with those on another, provided the servers are federated correctly.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Computing Informal · Technical

n. a private copy of a game area created just for you or your group.

n. a separate copy of a game environment created for a specific player or party, isolating them from the rest of the game world.

“Our group entered the instance to fight the boss without any other players interfering.”

“The developers used instancing to ensure that popular quest locations did not become overcrowded during peak hours.”

C1 · Advanced Formal · Academic

v. to give something as an example.

v. to cite or mention a particular case as an illustrative example.

“The professor instanced the recent economic crisis to explain his theory.”

“The author instances several historical revolutions to support her argument regarding social inequality.”