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Instrument - Dictionary Definition and Overview |
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Instrument : (noun)
1: a device that requires skill for proper use
2: the means whereby some act is accomplished; "my greed was
the instrument of my destruction"; "science has given us
new tools to fight disease" [syn: tool]
3: a person used by another to gain an end [syn: pawn, cat's-paw]
4: (law) a document that states some contractual relationship
or grants some right [syn: legal document, legal
instrument, official document]
5: the semantic role of the entity (usually inanimate) that the
agent uses to perform an action or start a process [syn: instrumental
role]
6: any of various devices or contrivances that can be used to
produce musical tones or sounds [syn: musical instrument]
(verb)
1: equip with instruments for measuring, recording, or
controlling
2: write an instrumental score for [syn: instrumentate]
3: address a legal document to
Based on WordNet 2.0
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Instrument : \In"stru*ment\, n. [F. instrument, L. instrumentum.
See Instruct.]
1. That by means of which any work is performed, or result is
effected; a tool; a utensil; an implement; as, the
instruments of a mechanic; astronomical instruments.
All the lofty instruments of war. --Shak.
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. (Law) 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. --Burrill.
4. One who, or that which, is made a means, or is caused to
serve a purpose; a medium, means, or agent.
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.
Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
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Instrument : \In"stru*ment\, v. t.
To perform upon an instrument; to prepare for an instrument;
as, a sonata instrumented for orchestra.
Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
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INSTRUMENT, contracts. The writing which contains some agreement, and is so
called because it has been prepared as a memorial of what has taken place or
been agreed upon. The agreement and theInstrument : in which it is contained
are very different things, the latter being only evidence of the existence
of the former. The instrument or form of the contract may be valid, but the
contract itself may be void on account of fraud. Vide Ayl. Parerg. 305;
Dunl. Ad. Pr. 220.
Based on Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856) [Bouvier_Law_Dictionary]:
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INSTRUMENTA. This word is properly applied to designate that kind of
evidence, which consists of writings not under seal, as court rolls,
accounts, and the like. 3 Tho. Co. Litt. 487.
Based on Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856) [Bouvier_Law_Dictionary]:
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Instrument :
To install devices or instructions into hardware
or software to monitor the operation of a system or component.
(1996-05-22)
Based on Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856) [Bouvier_Law_Dictionary]:
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Example Usage of Instrument |
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DyfedWyn: Weird fact of the day: Marlene Dietrich used to play the saw as a musical Instrument. |
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glencumbie: Gibson Guitar Case Stand Miniature Musical Instrument http://goo.gl/fb/u4OF |
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nichedesi: @mojorojo :D ..love tht song though. I treat the vocals as another Instrument :-| |
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