Main Entry: ¹in·stru·ment

Pronunciation: \ˈin(t)-strə-mənt\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin instrumentum, from instruere to arrange, instruct

Date: 14th century

1 : a device used to produce music; also : a singing voice
2 a : a means whereby something is achieved, performed, or furthered b : one used by another as a means or aid : dupe, tool
3 : implement; especially : one designed for precision work
4 : a formal legal document (as a deed, bond, or agreement)
5 a : a measuring device for determining the present value of a quantity under observation b : an electrical or mechanical device used in navigating an airplane; especially : such a device used as the sole means of navigating

synonyms see implement