in·stru·ment 
/ˈɪnstrəmənt/ noun
plural in·stru·ments /ˈɪnstrəmənt/ noun [count] 1 : a tool or device used for a particular purpose
▪ instruments of torture ▪ The murder weapon was a blunt instrument. [=an object without sharp edges or points] ; especially : a tool or device designed to do careful and exact work
▪ surgical/laboratory instruments synonyms 1implement 2 : a device that measures something (such as temperature or distance)
▪ an instrument designed to measure the Earth's atmosphere ▪ Part of her training as a pilot involved learning to fly by instruments. [=learning to fly only by looking at the instruments in the airplane] 3 : a device that is used to make music
▪ The piano was his favorite musical instrument. ▪ Do you play any instruments? — see also wind instrument 4 : someone or something that can be used to do or achieve something
▪ Movies can be useful instruments of social change. [=movies can be used to cause social change] ▪ She believed that she was an instrument of God. [=she believed that God was using her to do things; she believed that God was acting through her] 5 law : an official document that shows legal rights or duties
▪ a mortgage instrument ▪ stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments
▪ instruments of torture ▪ The murder weapon was a blunt instrument. [=an object without sharp edges or points] ; especially : a tool or device designed to do careful and exact work
▪ surgical/laboratory instruments synonyms 1implement
▪ an instrument designed to measure the Earth's atmosphere ▪ Part of her training as a pilot involved learning to fly by instruments. [=learning to fly only by looking at the instruments in the airplane]
▪ The piano was his favorite musical instrument. ▪ Do you play any instruments? — see also wind instrument
▪ Movies can be useful instruments of social change. [=movies can be used to cause social change] ▪ She believed that she was an instrument of God. [=she believed that God was using her to do things; she believed that God was acting through her]
▪ a mortgage instrument ▪ stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments
