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Entry 6 senses · 2 variants Webster, 1913

Instrument

/ĭn'-strəm-ənt/ · In·stru·ment · IPA /ˈɪnstɹəmənt/
01 n. That by means of which any work is performed, or result is effected; a tool; a utensil; an implement; a device; as, the instruments of a me…
  1. 1.
    That by means of which any work is performed, or result is effected; a tool; a utensil; an implement; a device; as, the instruments of a mechanic; astronomical instruments.
    “All the lofty instruments of war.” — Shak.
  2. 2.
    A contrivance or implement, by which musical sounds are produced; as, a musical instrument.
    “Praise him with stringed instruments and organs.” — Ps. cl. 4.
    “But signs when songs and instruments he hears.” — Dryden.
  3. 3.
    A writing, as the means of giving formal expression to some act; a writing expressive of some act, contract, process, as a deed, contract, writ, etc.(Law)
  4. 4.
    One who, or that which, is made a means, or is caused to serve a purpose; a medium, means, or agent; as, their army was primarily an instrument of oppression.
    “Or useful serving man and instrument, To any sovereign state.” — Shak.
    “The bold are but the instruments of the wise.” — Dryden.
Syn. Tool; implement; utensil; machine; apparatus; channel; agent.
02 v. t. To perform upon an instrument; to prepare for an instrument; as, a sonata instrumented for orchestra.
  1. 1.
    To perform upon an instrument; to prepare for an instrument; as, a sonata instrumented for orchestra.
  2. 2.
    To furnish or equip with instruments; to attach instruments to; as, the fighter planes were heavily instrumented; the patient was instrumented to monitor him remotely.