instrument

Meanings

Noun

• A device used to produce music.
• A means or agency for achieving an effect.
• A measuring or displaying device.
• A tool, implement used for manipulation or measurement.
• A legal document, such as a contract, deed, trust, mortgage, power, indenture, or will.
• A person used as a mere tool for achieving a goal.

Verb

• To apply measuring devices.
• To devise, conceive, cook up, plan.
• To perform upon an instrument; to prepare for an instrument.

Related

Similar words

• measure, supervise
• play
• arrange

Origin

• From Middle English instrument, from Old French instrument, from Latin īnstrūmentum ("an implement, tool"),
• From īnstruō + -mentum.