Instrument
WordNet
noun
(1) The means whereby some act is accomplished
"My greed was the instrument of my destruction"
"Science has given us new tools to fight disease"
(2) A device that requires skill for proper use
(3) Any of various devices or contrivances that can be used to produce musical tones or sounds
(4) The semantic role of the entity (usually inanimate) that the agent uses to perform an action or start a process
(5) (law) a document that states some contractual relationship or grants some right
(6) A person used by another to gain an end
verb
(7) Address a legal document to
(8) Write an instrumental score for
(9) Equip with instruments for measuring, recording, or controlling
WiktionaryText
Etymology
From . suffix .
Noun
- A device used to produce music.
- The violinist was a master of her instrument.
- A measuring or displaying device.
- The instrument detected an increase in radioactivity.
- A tool, implement.
- The dentist set down his tray of instruments.
- A legal document, such as a contract, deed, trust, mortgage, power, indenture, or will.
- A bond indenture is the instrument that gives a bond its value.
- Negotiable instruments are the foundation of the debt markets.
- A person used as a mere tool for achieving a goal.