instrument

[in-struh-muhnt]

noun

1. a mechanical tool or implement, especially 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, especially 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)

1. to equip with instruments, as a machine or manufacturing process.

   to instrument a space vehicle.

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

instrument

noun

1. a mechanical implement or tool, esp one used for precision work

   surgical instrument

2. music any of various contrivances or mechanisms that can be played to produce musical tones or sounds

3. an important factor or agency in something

   her evidence was an instrument in his arrest

4. informal,  a person used by another to gain an end; dupe; tool

5. a measuring device, such as a pressure gauge or ammeter

6. 1. a device or system for use in navigation or control, esp of aircraft

   2. ( as modifier )

      instrument landing

7. a formal legal document

verb

1. another word for orchestrate

2. to equip with instruments

Other Word Forms

• underinstrument noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of instrument¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Latin instrūmentum equipment, equivalent to instrū-, stem of instruere “to equip” ( instruct ) + -mentum -ment

Word History and Origins

Origin of instrument¹

C13: from Latin instrūmentum tool, equipment, from instruere to erect, furnish; see _instruct

Example Sentences

We have had strong leaders before, but never have the instruments of governing power been bent quite so aggressively to service the ambitions and wishes of the chief executive.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Allegations of suspicious trading patterns highlight the risks of investing in instruments where there’s no intrinsic value and a lighter regulatory touch,” he added.

Read more on Barron's

In an attempt to search for distant planets around red dwarfs, a team of researchers from the University of Chicago in the United States, developed a special instrument called MAROON-X.

Read more on Space Scoop

Together, these instruments functioned like a single Earth-sized telescope capable of detecting incredibly subtle distortions in light caused by the dark object's gravity.

Read more on Science Daily

A crane able to lift 50 tonnes loads various things, from submersible robots to so-called CTD instruments measuring electrical conductivity, temperature and seawater pressure.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• apparatus 
• appliance 
• device 
• equipment 
• gadget 
• gear 
• gizmo 
• machine 
• machinery 
• mechanism 

When To Use

What are other ways to say instrument?

An instrument is a mechanical contrivance, especially one used for delicate or precision work. When should you use this noun over tool, implement, or utensil? Learn more on Thesaurus.com.