instrument : Dictionary / Wörterbuch (BEOLINGUS, TU Chemnitz)

English Dictionary: instrument	by the DICT Development Group
4 results for instrument
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
instrument n a device that requires skill for proper use the means whereby some act is accomplished; "my greed was the instrument of my destruction"; "science has given us new tools to fight disease" Synonym(s): instrument, tool a person used by another to gain an end Synonym(s): instrument, pawn, cat's-paw (law) a document that states some contractual relationship or grants some right Synonym(s): legal document, legal instrument, official document, instrument the semantic role of the entity (usually inanimate) that the agent uses to perform an action or start a process Synonym(s): instrumental role, instrument any of various devices or contrivances that can be used to produce musical tones or sounds Synonym(s): musical instrument, instrument v equip with instruments for measuring, recording, or controlling write an instrumental score for Synonym(s): instrument, instrumentate address a legal document to
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
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.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Instrument \In"stru*ment\, v. t. To perform upon an instrument; to prepare for an instrument; as, a sonata instrumented for orchestra.
From The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (15Feb98) [foldoc]:
instrument To install devices or instructions into hardware or software to monitor the operation of a system or component. (1996-05-22)