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

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Alternate definitions:

business instrument definition - business

law instrument definition - legal

medical instrument definition - medical

instrument Synonyms

instrument

n.

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


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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.

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.

Modifies a noun

  • maker: He also worked together with instrument makers to improve the clarinet by taking Boehm's results into consideration.

Noun used with modifier

  • percussion: Action songs, percussion instrument playing, age specific classes.
instrument usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

instrument quotes

The flute is not an instrument that has a good moral effectöit is too exciting.

-Aristotle

There is nothing to it.You only have to hit the right notes at the right time and the instrument plays itself.

-Bach,Johann Sebastian

You have between your legs the most sensitive Beerbohm instrument knowntoman, and all youcandoisscratch it.

-Beecham, SirThomas

instrument quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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MLA Style

"instrument." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/instrument>

APA Style

instrument. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/instrument

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