Definition of INSTRUMENT

instrument

Meanings

Plural: instruments

Noun

  • a device that requires skill for proper use
  • the means whereby some act is accomplished
    • "my greed was the instrument of my destruction"
  • a person used by another to gain an end
  • (law) a document that states some contractual relationship or grants some right
  • the semantic role of the entity (usually inanimate) that the agent uses to perform an action or start a process
  • any of various devices or contrivances that can be used to produce musical tones or sounds
  • A device used to produce music.
  • A means or agency for achieving an effect.
  • A measuring or displaying device.
  • A tool, implement used for manipulation or measurement.
  • A tool, implement used for manipulation or measurement.
  • Ellipsis of flight instrument.
  • A legal document, such as a contract, deed, trust, mortgage, power, indenture, or will.
  • A person used as a mere tool for achieving a goal.

Verb

  • equip with instruments for measuring, recording, or controlling
  • write an instrumental score for
  • address a legal document to
  • To apply measuring devices.
  • To devise, conceive, cook up, plan.
  • To perform upon an instrument; to prepare for an instrument.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English instrument, from Old French instrument, from Latin īnstrūmentum (“an implement, tool”),
From īnstruō (“build, construct; arrange”) + -mentum.

Synonyms

arrange, cat's-paw, implement, instrument, instrumental role, instrumentate, legal document, legal instrument, machine, measure, musical instrument, official document, pawn, play, supervise, tool, utensil

Scrabble Score: 12

instrument is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
instrument is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
instrument is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 16

instrument is a valid Words With Friends word