51Թ

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View synonyms for

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. informala person used by another to gain an end; dupe; tool

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

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

    2. ( as modifier )

      instrument landing

  6. a formal legal document

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. another word for orchestrate

  2. to equip with instruments

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other 51Թ Forms

  • underinstrument noun
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of instrument1

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Latin ԲٰūԳٳܳ equipment, equivalent to Բٰū-, stem of instruere “to equip” ( instruct ) + -mentum -ment
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of instrument1

C13: from Latin ԲٰūԳٳܳ tool, equipment, from instruere to erect, furnish; see instruct
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Liam promised to take Nick to Denmark Street, an area of London famous for musical instrument shops, to buy "whatever guitar I wanted".

From

She holds her head high whether playing piccolo or the 6-foot contrabass flute, as if her instrument were a magic wand used to activate her voice in the highest registers and the deepest.

From

The Beach Boys’ founding member never seemed to encounter a genre, instrument or movement he didn’t want to incorporate into his soundscape.

From

Wilson never seemed to encounter a genre, instrument or movement he didn’t want to incorporate into his soundscape.

From

He took accordion lessons, but set the instrument aside after six weeks.

From

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When To Use

What are other ways to sayinstrument?

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. 

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instructressinstrumental