in·stru·ment ( n str -mnt)n.1. A means by which something is done; an agency. 2. One used by another to accomplish a purpose; a dupe. 3. An implement used to facilitate work. See Synonyms at tool. 4. A device for recording, measuring, or controlling, especially such a device functioning as part of a control system. 5. Music A device for playing or producing music: a keyboard instrument. 6. A legal document, such as a deed, will, mortgage, or insurance policy. tr.v. (-m nt ) in·stru·ment·ed, in·stru·ment·ing, in·stru·ments 1. To provide or equip with instruments. 2. Music To compose or arrange for performance. 3. To address a legal document to.
[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin  nstr mentum, tool, implement, from nstruere, to prepare; see instruct.] | instrument variety of medical instruments |
instrument Noun 1. a tool or implement, esp. one used for precision work 2. Music any of various devices that can be played to produce musical sounds 3. a measuring device to show height, speed, etc.: the pilot's eyes never left his instruments 4. Informal a person used by another to gain an end 5. an important factor in something: her evidence was an instrument in his arrest 6. a formal legal document [Latin instrumentum]
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms | Noun | 1. |  instrument - a device that requires skill for proper usecauterant, cautery - an instrument or substance used to destroy tissue for medical reasons (eg removal of a wart) by burning it with a hot iron or an electric current or a caustic or by freezing it device - an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose; "the device is small enough to wear on your wrist"; "a device intended to conserve water" engine - an instrument or machine that is used in warfare, such as a battering ram, catapult, artillery piece, etc.; "medieval engines of war" extractor - an instrument for extracting tight-fitting components plotter - an instrument (usually driven by a computer) for drawing graphs or pictures sonograph - an instrument that uses the differential transmission and reflection of ultrasonic waves in order to provide an image of a bodily organ tracer - an instrument used to make tracings weapon, weapon system, arm - any instrument or instrumentality used in fighting or hunting; "he was licensed to carry a weapon" whip - an instrument with a handle and a flexible lash that is used for whipping | | 2. |  instrument - the means whereby some act is accomplished; "my greed was the instrument of my destruction"; "science has given us new tools to fight disease"means, way, agency - how a result is obtained or an end is achieved; "a means of control"; "an example is the best agency of instruction"; "the true way to success" | | 3. | instrument - a person used by another to gain an endassistant, helper, help, supporter - a person who contributes to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose; "my invaluable assistant"; "they hired additional help to finish the work" | | 4. |  instrument - (law) a document that states some contractual relationship or grants some rightarticles of incorporation - a legal document that creates a corporation; it is filed with a state by the founders of a corporation and is governed by the laws of the state passport - a document issued by a country to a citizen allowing that person to travel abroad and re-enter the home country ship's papers - official papers which a ship is legally required to have; related to ownership, cargo, etc. manifest - a customs document listing the contents put on a ship or plane debenture - a certificate or voucher acknowledging a debt power of attorney - a legal instrument authorizing someone to act as the grantor's agent letters testamentary - a legal document from a probate court or court officer informing you of your appointment as executor of a will and empowering you to discharge those responsibilities act, enactment - a legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee or society or legislative body law - legal document setting forth rules governing a particular kind of activity; "there is a law against kidnapping" bill, measure - a statute in draft before it becomes law; "they held a public hearing on the bill" brief, legal brief - a document stating the facts and points of law of a client's case testament, will - a legal document declaring a person's wishes regarding the disposal of their property when they die living will - a document written by someone still legally capable requesting that he should be allowed to die if subsequently severely disabled or suffering terminal illness; "after he discovered he had AIDS he drew up a living will" deed, deed of conveyance, title - a legal document signed and sealed and delivered to effect a transfer of property and to show the legal right to possess it; "he signed the deed"; "he kept the title to his car in the glove compartment" assignment - the instrument by which a claim or right or interest or property is transferred from one person to another deed of trust, trust deed - a written instrument legally conveying property to a trustee often used to secure an obligation such as a mortgage or promissory note conveyance - document effecting a property transfer income tax return, return, tax return - document giving the tax collector information about the taxpayer's tax liability; "his gross income was enough that he had to file a tax return" affidavit - written declaration made under oath; a written statement sworn to be true before someone legally authorized to administer an oath impeachment - a formal document charging a public official with misconduct in office arraignment - a legal document calling someone to court to answer an indictment law, jurisprudence - the collection of rules imposed by authority; "civilization presupposes respect for the law"; "the great problem for jurisprudence to allow freedom while enforcing order" | | 5. | instrument - the semantic role of the entity (usually inanimate) that the agent uses to perform an action or start a process | | 6. |  instrument - any of various devices or contrivances that can be used to produce musical tones or soundsbass - the member with the lowest range of a family of musical instruments steam organ, calliope - a musical instrument consisting of a series of steam whistles played from a keyboard device - an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose; "the device is small enough to wear on your wrist"; "a device intended to conserve water" jew's harp, jews' harp, mouth bow - a small lyre-shaped musical instrument that is placed between the teeth and played by twanging a wire tongue while changing the shape of the mouth cavity music box, musical box - produces music by means of pins on a revolving cylinder that strike the tuned teeth of a comb-like metal plate wind instrument, wind - a musical instrument in which the sound is produced by an enclosed column of air that is moved by the breath | | Verb | 1. | instrument - equip with instruments for measuring, recording, or controllingequip, fit out, outfit, fit - provide with (something) usually for a specific purpose; "The expedition was equipped with proper clothing, food, and other necessities" | | 2. | instrument - write an instrumental score foreuphony, music - any agreeable (pleasing and harmonious) sounds; "he fell asleep to the music of the wind chimes" compose, write - write music; "Beethoven composed nine symphonies" | | 3. | instrument - address a legal document to |
instrument noun 2. agent, means, force, cause, medium, agency, factor, channel, vehicle, mechanism, organ  Translations
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instrument [ˈɪnstrəmənt] n → instrumento
instrument [ˈɪnstrumənt] n → instrument m
instrument [ˈɪnstrumənt] n → Instrument nt;
instrument [ˈɪnstrumənt] n → strumento
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