in·stru·ment
Pronounced:
/ˈɪnstrəmənt/
Function:
nounInflected forms:
plural in·stru·mentsMeaning:
[count] 1 : a tool or device used for a particular purpose ▪ instruments of torture ▪ The murder weapon was a blunt instrument. [=an object without sharp edges or points] ; especially : a tool or device designed to do careful and exact work ▪ surgical/laboratory instruments synonyms 1implement
2 : a device that measures something (such as temperature or distance) ▪ an instrument designed to measure the Earth's atmosphere ▪ Part of her training as a pilot involved learning to fly by instruments. [=learning to fly only by looking at the instruments in the airplane]
3 : a device that is used to make music ▪ The piano was his favorite musical instrument. ▪ Do you play any instruments? —see also wind instrument
4 : someone or something that can be used to do or achieve something ▪ Movies can be useful instruments of social change. [=movies can be used to cause social change] ▪ She believed that she was an instrument of God. [=she believed that God was using her to do things; she believed that God was acting through her]
5 law : an official document that shows legal rights or duties ▪ a mortgage instrument ▪ stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments
2 : a device that measures something (such as temperature or distance) ▪ an instrument designed to measure the Earth's atmosphere ▪ Part of her training as a pilot involved learning to fly by instruments. [=learning to fly only by looking at the instruments in the airplane]
3 : a device that is used to make music ▪ The piano was his favorite musical instrument. ▪ Do you play any instruments? —see also wind instrument
4 : someone or something that can be used to do or achieve something ▪ Movies can be useful instruments of social change. [=movies can be used to cause social change] ▪ She believed that she was an instrument of God. [=she believed that God was using her to do things; she believed that God was acting through her]
5 law : an official document that shows legal rights or duties ▪ a mortgage instrument ▪ stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments