Definitions for: Instrument


[n] the means whereby some act is accomplished; "my greed was the instrument of my destruction"; "science has given us new tools to fight disease"
[n] a device that requires skill for proper use
[n] any of various devices or contrivances that can be used to produce musical tones or sounds
[n] the semantic role of the entity (usually inanimate) that the agent uses to perform an action or start a process
[n] (law) a document that states some contractual relationship or grants some right
[n] a person used by another to gain an end
[v] address a legal document to
[v] write an instrumental score for
[v] equip with instruments for measuring, recording, or controlling



Webster (1913) Definition: In"stru*ment, n. [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) 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.
To perform upon an instrument; to prepare for an instrument;
as, a sonata instrumented for orchestra.

Synonyms: cat's-paw, instrumental role, instrumentate, legal document, legal instrument, musical instrument, official document, pawn, tool

See Also: acquittance, act, address, affidavit, agency, analyser, analyzer, arm, arraignment, assignment, assistant, authorisation, authorization, barrel organ, bass, bill, bill of indictment, brief, calliope, cauterant, cautery, celesta, certificate, compose, conveyance, debenture, deed, deed of conveyance, deed of trust, derivative, derivative instrument, device, direct, document, drafting instrument, electronic instrument, enactment, equip, extractor, fit, fit out, grind organ, hand organ, help, helper, hurdy gurdy, impeachment, income tax return, indictment, instrument of execution, instrument of punishment, jew's harp, jews' harp, judgement, judgment, judicial writ, law, legal brief, letters of administration, letters patent, letters testamentary, licence, license, living will, mandate, manifest, means, measure, measuring device, measuring instrument, measuring system, medical instrument, mouth bow, music box, musical box, navigational instrument, negotiable instrument, opinion, optical instrument, outfit, papers, participant role, passport, patent, percussion instrument, percussive instrument, permit, plotter, power of attorney, release, return, scientific instrument, security, semantic role, ship's papers, steam organ, street organ, stringed instrument, supporter, surveying instrument, surveyor's instrument, tax return, testament, title, tracer, trust deed, way, weapon, weapon system, whip, will, wind, wind instrument, work papers, work permit, working papers, writ, write, written agreement, written document

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