instrument Meaning, Definition & Usage

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

F. instrument, L. instrumentum. See Instruct.

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.
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.
(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.
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.

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