- the means whereby some act is accomplished
"my greed was the instrument of my destruction"
"science has given us new tools to fight disease"

- a device that requires skill for proper use

- any of various devices or contrivances that can be used to produce musical tones or sounds

- the semantic role of the entity (usually inanimate) that the agent uses to perform an action or start a process

- (law) a document that states some contractual relationship or grants some right

- a person used by another to gain an end

- address a legal document to

- write an instrumental score for

- equip with instruments for measuring, recording, or controlling

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.

1. To perform upon an instrument; to prepare for an instrument; as, a sonata instrumented for orchestra.