Definition of "instance" []

• An example that is cited to prove or invalidate a contention or illustrate a point. See Synonyms at example. (noun)
• A case or an occurrence: In all such instances, let conscience be your guide. (noun)
• Law A legal proceeding or process; a suit. (noun)
• A step in a process or series of events: You should apply in the first instance to the personnel manager. (noun)
• A suggestion or request: called at the instance of his attorney. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Twitter:: Base. new (httpauth) end def self. instance return @@instance end end"
• "The $instance value is derived from user input when the script is first called. databases: The collection of databases available on the instance specified in"
• "$instance: The SQL Server instance on the server specified in $server."