instrument
noun
1. a device that requires skill for proper use
Definition categories: man–made, device
2. the means whereby some act is accomplished
- my greed was the instrument of my destruction
Similar word(s): tool
Definition categories: act, agency, means, way
3. a person used by another to gain an end
Similar word(s): pawn
Definition categories: person, assistant, help, helper, supporter
4. (law) a document that states some contractual relationship or grants some right
Definition categories: communication, document, papers
5. the semantic role of the entity (usually inanimate) that the agent uses to perform an action or start a process
Definition categories: communication
6. any of various devices or contrivances that can be used to produce musical tones or sounds
Definition categories: man–made, device
Sentences with instrument as a noun:
- The violinist was a master of her instrument.
- The instrument detected an increase in radioactivity.
- The dentist set down his tray of instruments. The scientist recorded the temperature with a thermometer but wished he had a more accurate instrument."
- A bond indenture is the instrument that gives a bond its value.
- Negotiable instruments are the foundation of the debt markets.
verb
1. equip with instruments for measuring, recording, or controlling
Definition categories: possession, equip, fit, outfit
2. write an instrumental score for
Similar word(s): instrumentate
Definition categories: creation, compose, write
3. address a legal document to
Definition categories: communication, address, direct
Sentences with instrument as a verb:
- a sonata instrumented for orchestra