Meaning of 'instrument'

noun

the means whereby some act is accomplished

Example: "my greed was the instrument of my destruction"

Synonyms: tool

noun

a device that requires skill for proper use

noun

any of various devices or contrivances that can be used to produce musical tones or sounds

Synonyms: musical instrument

noun

the semantic role of the entity (usually inanimate) that the agent uses to perform an action or start a process

Synonyms: instrumental role

noun

a document that states some contractual relationship or grants some right

Example: "The lawyer was known for writing crafty instruments."

Synonyms: legal document legal instrument official document

noun

a person used by another to gain an end

Synonyms: pawn cat's-paw

verb

address a legal document to

verb

write an instrumental score for

Synonyms: instrumentate

verb

equip with instruments for measuring, recording, or controlling