The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 15 letter word INTERFEROMETERS
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "measuring instruments" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case measuring instruments = interferometers.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
Crossword Answer definitions
INTERFEROMETERS noun- Any of several instruments that use the interference of waves to determine wavelengths and wave velocities, determine refractive indices, measure small distances, temperature changes, stresses, and many other useful measurements.