Definition of Instrument

1. Noun. A device that requires skill for proper use.


2. Verb. Equip with instruments for measuring, recording, or controlling.
Generic synonyms: Equip, Fit, Fit Out, Outfit
Derivative terms: Instrumentation, Instrumentation

3. Noun. The means whereby some act is accomplished. "Science has given us new tools to fight disease"
Exact synonyms: Tool
Generic synonyms: Agency, Means, Way
Derivative terms: Instrumental

4. Verb. Write an instrumental score for. "Did he instrument his major works over a short period of time?"
Exact synonyms: Instrumentate
Category relationships: Euphony, Music
Generic synonyms: Compose, Write
Derivative terms: Instrumentation

5. Noun. A person used by another to gain an end.
Exact synonyms: Cat's-paw, Pawn
Generic synonyms: Assistant, Help, Helper, Supporter

6. Verb. Address a legal document to.
Generic synonyms: Address, Direct

7. Noun. (law) a document that states some contractual relationship or grants some right.

8. Noun. The semantic role of the entity (usually inanimate) that the agent uses to perform an action or start a process.
Exact synonyms: Instrumental Role
Generic synonyms: Participant Role, Semantic Role

9. Noun. Any of various devices or contrivances that can be used to produce musical tones or sounds.

Definition of Instrument

1. n. That by means of which any work is performed, or result is effected; a tool; a utensil; an implement; as, the instruments of a mechanic; astronomical instruments.

2. v. t. To perform upon an instrument; to prepare for an instrument; as, a sonata instrumented for orchestra.

Definition of Instrument

1. Noun. A device used to produce music. ¹

2. Noun. A measuring or displaying device. ¹

3. Noun. A tool, implement. ¹

4. Noun. (legal) A legal document, such as a contract, deed, trust, mortgage, power, indenture, or will. ¹

5. Noun. (figuratively) A person used as a mere tool for achieving a goal. ¹

6. Verb. (transitive) To apply measuring devices. ¹

7. Verb. (transitive) To devise, conceive, cook up, plan. ¹

8. Verb. To perform upon an instrument; to prepare for an instrument. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Instrument

1. [v -ED, -ING, -S]

Medical Definition of Instrument

1. A tool or implement. Origin: L. Instrumentum (05 Mar 2000)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Instrument

instructive theory
instructively
instructiveness
instructives
instructological
instructology
instructor
instructors
instructorship
instructorships
instructour
instructress
instructresses
instructrix
instructs
instrument (current term)
instrument flying
instrument landing
instrument landing system
instrument of execution
instrument of punishment
instrument of torture
instrument panel
instrumental
instrumental amusia
instrumental case
instrumental cases
instrumental conditioning
instrumental music
instrumental rationality

Literary usage of Instrument

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. The Encyclopedia Americana: A Library of Universal Knowledge (1919)
"If the optical instrument is directed toward the object and focussed on some selected point M on the axis, this point of the object will be reproduced in ..."

2. Proceedings by Philadelphia County Medical Society (1895)
"The instrument is in the general shape of a pair of compasses, with two limbs, ... About half an inch from the centre of the instrument there is a cross-bar ..."

3. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London by Royal Society (Great Britain) (1894)
"An instrument of Precision for producing Monochromatic Light of any desired ... This instrument enables the whole field of any optical instrument whose ..."

4. Encyclopaedia Britannica: A Standard Work of Reference in Art, Literature (1907)
"This answers the assertion which has been made that JS Bach could not have been nice about tuning when he played from preference on an instrument of ..."

5. Reports of Cases Argued and Determined in the High Court of Chancery: During by Great Britain Court of Chancery, Edward Thurlow Thurlow, Alexander Wedderburn Rosslyn, Jonathan Cogswell Perkins (1844)
"Till the time of Justinian seven witnesses were required to the revocation as well as the completion of an instrument. That Emperor decreed, that in certain ..."

6. Science by American Association for the Advancement of Science (1901)
"Anderson, who had been assistant on this instrument for twenty-six years, ... The manual labor alone in using this instrument is considerable, ..."

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