instrument

Means to accomplish

An instrument is a tool designed for precise work—surgical instruments, measuring instruments, musical instruments.

The word emphasizes careful design for a specific function.

A person used by another to accomplish something is also an instrument: She became an instrument of his revenge.

Legal documents formalizing agreements are called instruments: a debt instrument, a negotiable instrument.

As a verb, to instrument means to equip with measuring devices or to arrange music for instruments.

musical

violin

Bowed string instrument

pianoKeyed percussion instrument
guitarFretted stringed instrument
celloDeep-voiced bowed instrument

flute · trumpet · saxophone · drums · clarinet · harp · oboe · trombone · accordion · ukulele

surgical

scalpel

Precise surgical knife

forcepsMedical grasping instrument
hemostatClamp stopping vessel flow
retractorTool exposing surgical field

speculum · trocar · curette · clamp · probe · catheter · endoscope · laparoscope · dilator · cannula

agent

tool

Device for a task

meansMethod or resources
vehicleMeans of transport
mechanismMeans by which something operates

catalyst · channel · medium · conduit · agent · facilitator · lever · apparatus · enabler · intermediary

measuring

gauge

Standard of measurement

dialGraduated circular indicator
meterDevice that measures usage
thermometerHeat-measuring instrument

barometer · altimeter · speedometer · voltmeter · ammeter · odometer · manometer · tachometer · caliper · micrometer

legal

deed

Written property conveyance

contractEnforceable written agreement
bondBinding tie or connection
leaseTemporary use contract

covenant · affidavit · indenture · testament · warrant · writ · charter · certificate · promissory note · title

Categories

live performanceconcert, gig, show, performer, stage presence
musicmusic, song, songs, singing, singer
nounsanimals, bags, balls, banks, beds
objectsbasket, bowl, bucket, jar, jug
purchasesbook, clothing, groceries, food, shoes
microphone typescondenser, dynamic, ribbon, lavalier, lav

Opposites

means vs. end

instrumentend

Final portion or cessation

goal · purpose · objective · aim · target

enablement vs. obstruction

instrumentobstruction

Something blocking the way

obstacle · barrier · impediment · hindrance · block

AGENCY (human as instrument)

instrumentprincipal

Chief school administrator

master · director · orchestrator · puppet master · authority

Phrases

musical instrumentTool for making music
optical instrumentLight-manipulating viewing device
wind instrumentMusic maker requiring breath
string instrumentsMusic makers with tensioned filaments
brass instrumentsMetal tubes played by buzzing lips
blunt instrumentWeapon lacking an edge

Family

instruments, instrumental, instrumentalist, instrumentality, instrumentation, instrumented, instrumentals, instrumentally, instrumentalism

Familiarity: Top 20,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G