instrument Hear it!

instrument Definition

in·stru·ment (in′strə mənt)

noun

    1. a thing by means of which something is done; means
    2. a person used by another to bring something about
  2. a tool or implement, esp. one used for delicate work or for scientific or artistic purposes
  3. any of various devices for indicating or measuring conditions, performance, position, direction, etc. or sometimes, for controlling operations, esp. in aircraft or rocket flight
  4. any of various devices producing musical sound, as a piano, drum, violin, oboe, etc.
  5. Law a formal document, as a deed, contract, etc.
  6. Finance a written order or promise to pay a sum of money a negotiable instrument

Etymology: OFr < L instrumentum, a tool or tools, stock, furniture, dress < instruere: see instruct

transitive verb

  1. to provide with instruments
  2. Music to arrange (a composition) for instruments; orchestrate

instrument Synonyms

instrument

n.

tool, means, apparatus, implement; see device 1, machine 1, tool 1. See syn. study at tool.

instrument Law Definition

n

A written legal document defining the parties’ rights and liabilities to one another.
negotiable instrument
Under the Uniform Commercial Code, a writing that reflects an unconditional promise to pay, such as a check or note, but does not also include security for the payment. 

instrument Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • ratification: The Treaty will enter into force after the exchange of instruments of ratification between the Russian and American sides.
  • oppression: Most of the folks in privacy groups like to imagine the Clipper chip as an instrument of government oppression directed toward the common folks.
  • accession: The instrument of accession shall be deposited with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.
  • liberation: For myself, the philosophy of meaningless was essentially an instrument of liberation, sexual and political.
  • repression: Optimism comes less easily today, not because democracy is less vigorous, but because democracy's enemies have refined their instruments of repression.

Converse of object

play: Have you been playing instruments for a long time?

Adjective modifier

  • musical: Learning a musical instrument is a gift for life.
  • statutory: Some 40 statutory instruments will also be required to bring the Act into effect.
  • stringed: He also continues to raise substantial sums for the purchase of fine stringed instruments for top UK-based players.
  • blunt: Moreover, to rely upon criminal law to control human behavior is using a blunt instrument against a sophisticated problem.
  • surgical: ANSWER: Aristotle What surgical instrument is used to aid childbirth?
  • acoustic: Embracing the freedom that traveling with acoustic instruments brings.

Modifies a noun

  • maker: He also worked together with instrument makers to improve the clarinet by taking Boehm's results into consideration.
  • panel: In effect they create a new instrument panel for the business.

Noun used with modifier

  • percussion: Action songs, percussion instrument playing, age specific classes.
  • brass: Brass wind instruments have an innate power to rouse, to stimulate.
  • woodwind: TEACHER'S NOTES FLUTES AND FLUTE MUSIC The flute is a woodwind instrument without a reed.
  • measuring: Beer measuring instruments ( beer meters ) that have been crown stamped.
  • keyboard: The period keyboard instruments in the collection can be used during the Ceremony.
  • reed: I thought it would be prudent to learn a double reed instrument to compliment my already proven skills on saxophone, clarinet and flute.