instrument instrument /ˈɪnstrəmənt/

noun

1. () A device that requires skill for proper use  ( instrument )
   a device that requires skill for proper use
   
2. () The means whereby some act is accomplished  ( instrument , tool )
   the means whereby some act is accomplished
    My greed was the instrument of my destruction
   my greed was the instrument of my destruction
    Science has given us new tools to fight disease
   science has given us new tools to fight disease
   
3. () A person used by another to gain an end  ( cat's-paw , pawn , instrument )
   a person used by another to gain an end
   
4. Any of various devices or contrivances that can be used to produce musical tones or sounds  ( instrument , musical instrument )
   any of various devices or contrivances that can be used to produce musical tones or sounds
    The orchestra had a wide range of instruments, from strings to percussion to brass
   The orchestra had a wide range of instruments, from strings to percussion to brass
   
   
5. The semantic role of the entity (usually inanimate) that the agent uses to perform an action or start a process  ( instrument , instrumental role )
   the semantic role of the entity (usually inanimate) that the agent uses to perform an action or start a process
   
6. (law) a document that states some contractual relationship or grants some right  ( instrument , legal document , legal instrument , official document )
   (law) a document that states some contractual relationship or grants some right
   

verb

1. Address a legal document to  ( instrument )
   address a legal document to
   
2. (music) write an instrumental score for  ( instrument , instrumentate )
   (music) write an instrumental score for
   
3. Equip with instruments for measuring, recording, or controlling  ( instrument )
   equip with instruments for measuring, recording, or controlling