alats

Alat is a term in the Malay and Indonesian languages that refers to a tool, device, instrument, or piece of equipment used to perform a task. The word covers a broad range of objects, from simple hand tools to complex machines. In standard Indonesian and Malay, the plural form is alat-alat; in casual or English-language writing, alats may appear as a shorthand for multiple tools, but the canonical plural remains alat-alat.

Common categories include agricultural tools (hoe, sickle), household implements (spoon, broom), measuring and testing devices (thermometer, caliper), laboratory instruments, and mechanical or electronic equipment such as power tools, machines, and appliances. The term is also used in phrases like alat musik (musical instruments), alat tulis (writing instruments), alat rumah tangga (household appliances), and alat berat (heavy equipment).

In context, alat serve as the tangible means by which tasks are performed, enabling production, construction, research, and everyday activities. Proper use, maintenance, and safety considerations affect efficiency and longevity, and naming conventions for different alat often reflect their function, origin, or industry.

Origin and usage: The word alat originates in Malay and Indonesian. While it is a generic noun, it forms compound phrases to specify a category of tools or equipment.