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instrument

3 syllables

Quick answer

As a noun, instrument means a device used to produce music. As a verb, it means apply measuring devices.

Meanings of instrument

17 meanings

A device used to produce music.
“The violinist was a master of her instrument.”
A means or agency for achieving an effect.
A measuring or displaying device.
“The instrument detected an increase in radioactivity.”
A tool, implement used for manipulation or measurement.
“The dentist set down his tray of instruments.”
“The scientist recorded the temperature with a thermometer but wished he had a more accurate instrument.”
legalA 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.”
figurativelyA person used as a mere tool for achieving a goal.
A device that requires skill for proper use
The means whereby some act is accomplished
“my greed was the instrument of my destruction”
“science has given us new tools to fight disease”
Similar: tool
(law) a document that states some contractual relationship or grants some right
Similar: legal document, legal instrument, official document
The semantic role of the entity (usually inanimate) that the agent uses to perform an action or start a process
Similar: instrumental role
Any of various devices or contrivances that can be used to produce musical tones or sounds
Similar: musical instrument

Ellipsis of flight instrument

To apply measuring devices.
“an instrumented test article”
To devise, conceive, cook up, plan.
To perform upon an instrument; to prepare for an instrument.
“a sonata instrumented for orchestra”
Equip with instruments for measuring, recording, or controlling
Write an instrumental score for
Similar: instrumentate
Address a legal document to

Meanings from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).