INSTRUMENT

instrument, tool

(noun) the means whereby some act is accomplished; “my greed was the instrument of my destruction”; “science has given us new tools to fight disease”

instrument

(noun) a device that requires skill for proper use

instrument, pawn, cat's-paw

(noun) a person used by another to gain an end

instrument

(verb) address a legal document to

instrument, instrumentate

(verb) write an instrumental score for

instrument

(verb) equip with instruments for measuring, recording, or controlling

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

instrument (plural instruments)

A device used to produce music.

A means or agency for achieving an effect.

A measuring or displaying device.

A tool, implement used for manipulation or measurement.

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

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

Synonyms

• See also instrument

Verb

instrument (third-person singular simple present instruments, present participle instrumenting, simple past and past participle instrumented)

(transitive) To apply measuring devices.

(transitive) To devise, conceive, cook up, plan.

To perform upon an instrument; to prepare for an instrument.

Synonyms

• (to apply measuring devices): measure, supervise

• (to devise, conceive)

• (to perform on an instrument): play

• (to prepare for an instrument): arrange

Anagrams

• nutriments

Source: Wiktionary

In"stru*ment, n. Etym: [F. instrument, L. instrumentum. See Instruct.]

1. 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. All the lofty instruments of war. Shak.

2. A contrivance or implement, by which musical sounds are produced; as, a musical instrument. Praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Ps. cl. 4. But signs when songs and instruments he hears. Dryden.

3. (Law)

Definition: A writing, as the means of giving formal expression to some act; a writing expressive of some act, contract, process, as a deed, contract, writ, etc. Burrill.

4. One who, or that which, is made a means, or is caused to serve a purpose; a medium, means, or agent. Or useful serving man and instrument, To any sovereign state. Shak. The bold are but the instruments of the wise. Dryden.

Syn.

– Tool; implement; utensil; machine; apparatus; channel; agent.

In"stru*ment, v. t.

Definition: To perform upon an instrument; to prepare for an instrument; as, a sonata instrumented for orchestra.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition