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
After a song or two, and before she could reply to the entreaties of several that she would sing again, she was eagerly succeeded at the instrument by her sister Mary, who having, in consequence of being the only plain one in the family, worked hard for knowledge and accomplishments, was always impatient for display.
“I am going to open the instrument, Eliza, and you know what follows.”
To the girls, who could not listen to their cousin, and who had nothing to do but to wish for an instrument, and examine their own indifferent imitations of china on the mantel-piece, the interval of waiting appeared very long.
Our instrument is a capital one, probably superior to ---- you shall try it some day.
Other matches
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