instrument definition | Dictionary.com

in⋅stru⋅ment

[in-struh-muh

nt]

–noun

1.	a mechanical tool or implement, esp. one used for delicate or precision work: surgical instruments.

2.	a contrivance or apparatus for producing musical sounds: a stringed instrument.

3.	a means by which something is effected or done; agency: an instrument of government.

4.	a device for measuring the present value of a quantity under observation.

5.	a mechanical or electronic measuring device, esp. one used in navigation: landing a plane by instruments.

6.	a formal legal document, as a draft or bond: negotiable instruments.

7.	a person used by another merely as a means to some private end; tool or dupe.

–verb (used with object)

8.	to equip with instruments, as a machine or manufacturing process: to instrument a space vehicle.

9.	to arrange a composition for musical instruments; orchestrate.

Origin:
1250–1300; ME < L instrūmentum equip-ment, equiv. to instrū-, s. of instruere to equip (see instruct ) + -mentum -ment; see instruct

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
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Language Translation for : instrument

Spanish:

instrumento,

German:

das Instrument,

Japanese:

器具

View 30 other languages »

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in·stru·ment (ĭn'strə-mənt) Pronunciation Key

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n.

A means by which something is done; an agency.
One used by another to accomplish a purpose; a dupe.
An implement used to facilitate work. See Synonyms at tool.
A device for recording, measuring, or controlling, especially such a device functioning as part of a control system.
Music A device for playing or producing music: a keyboard instrument.
A legal document, such as a deed, will, mortgage, or insurance policy.

tr.v. (-měnt') in·stru·ment·ed, in·stru·ment·ing, in·stru·ments

To provide or equip with instruments.
Music To compose or arrange for performance.
To address a legal document to.

[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin īnstrūmentum, tool, implement, from īnstruere, to prepare; see instruct.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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instrument

c.1290, "musical instrument," from O.Fr. instrument, from L. instrumentem "a tool, apparatus, furniture, dress, document," from instruere "arrange, furnish" (see instruct). Broader sense of "that which is used as an agent in an performance" is from 1340. Instrumental "musical composition for instruments without vocals" is from 1940.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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instrument
noun
1.	a device that requires skill for proper use
2.	the means whereby some act is accomplished; "my greed was the instrument of my destruction"; "science has given us new tools to fight disease"
3.	a person used by another to gain an end
4.	(law) a document that states some contractual relationship or grants some right [syn: legal document]
5.	the semantic role of the entity (usually inanimate) that the agent uses to perform an action or start a process [syn: instrumental role]
6.	any of various devices or contrivances that can be used to produce musical tones or sounds [syn: musical instrument]
verb
1.	equip with instruments for measuring, recording, or controlling
2.	write an instrumental score for
3.	address a legal document to

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.
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instrument programming
To install devices or instructions into hardware or software to monitor the operation of a system or component.
(1996-05-22)

The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing, © 1993-2007 Denis Howe
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Instrument

In"stru*ment\, n. [F. instrument, L. instrumentum. See Instruct.]

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. (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.

4. 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.

Instrument

In"stru*ment\, v. t. To perform upon an instrument; to prepare for an instrument; as, a sonata instrumented for orchestra.