instrument
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in·stru·ment (in′strə mənt)
noun
- a thing by means of which something is done; means
- a person used by another to bring something about
- a tool or implement, esp. one used for delicate work or for scientific or artistic purposes
- any of various devices for indicating or measuring conditions, performance, position, direction, etc. or sometimes, for controlling operations, esp. in aircraft or rocket flight
- any of various devices producing musical sound, as a piano, drum, violin, oboe, etc.
- Law a formal document, as a deed, contract, etc.
- 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
- to provide with instruments
- 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:
instrument
n.
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.
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.
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.
The flute is not an instrument that has a good moral effectöit is too exciting.
There is nothing to it.You only have to hit the right notes at the right time and the instrument plays itself.
You have between your legs the most sensitive Beerbohm instrument knowntoman, and all youcandoisscratch it.
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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