INSTRUMENT

(TOOL) [noun] [C] - a tool or other device, esp. one that has no power, used for performing a particular piece of work, or (figurative formal) a way of achieving or causing somethingsurgical instrumentsinstruments of tortureThe man's injuries had obviously been caused by a blunt instrument.Instruments are also the various devices used for measuring speed, height, etc. that are found in vehicles, esp. aircraft.the instrument panelThe lightning had damaged the plane's instruments, and they weren't giving any readings.(figurative formal) He saw the theatre as an instrument of change - a way of forcing people to consider social and political issues.