instrument
/ˈɪnstɹəmənt/ noun A2- A device used to produce music. · The violinist was a master of her instrument.
- A means or agency for achieving an aspect.
- A measuring or displaying device. · The instrument detected an increase in radioactivity.
- A tool, implement used for manipulation or measurement. · The dentist set down his tray of instruments.· The scientist recorded the temperature with a thermometer, but wished he had a more accurate instrument.
- A legal document, such as a contract, deed, trust, mortgage, power, indenture, or will, or any of a class of negotiable ones (which can be exchanged for value or money). · A bond indenture is the instrument that gives a bond its value.· Negotiable instruments are the foundation of the debt markets.
- A person used as a mere tool for achieving a goal.
Plural instruments
From the library
My friend took the instrument and I heard the usual syncopated dialogue.
There was a cabinet of flint instruments.
With his personal advantages and his extraordinary gifts—for he can speak several languages and play nearly every musical instrument—it is wonderful that he should have been satisfied so long in such a position, but I suppose that he was comfortable, and lacked energy to make any change.
In the next room is a new instrument just come down for her--a present from my master: she comes here to-morrow with him.”
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