INSTRUMENTALS
Noun
instrumentals
plural of instrumental
Noun
instrumentals pl (plural only)
(music) The backing track of a song. The audio of a song without the vocal track.
Source: Wiktionary
INSTRUMENTAL
In`stru*men"tal, a. Etym: [Cf. F. instrumental.]
1. Acting as an instrument; serving as a means; contributing to
promote; conductive; helpful; serviceable; as, he was instrumental in
conducting the business.
The head is not more native to the heart, The hand more instrumental
to the mouth. Shak.
2. (Mus.)
Definition: Pertaining to, made by, or prepared for, an instrument, esp. a
musical instrument; as, instrumental music, distinguished from vocal
music. "He defended the use of instrumental music in public worship."
Macaulay.
Sweet voices mix'd with instrumental sounds. Dryden.
3. (Gram.)
Definition: Applied to a case expressing means or agency; as, the
instrumental case. This is found in Sanskrit as a separate case, but
in Greek it was merged into the dative, and in Latin into the
ablative. In Old English it was a separate case, but has disappeared,
leaving only a few anomalous forms. Instrumental errors, those errors
in instrumental measurements, etc., which arise, exclusively from
want of mathematical accuracy in an instrument.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition