n.
Pronunciation: ' in(t)-str ə -m ə nt
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