instrument

English

/ˈɪnstɹəmənt/

noun
Definitions
  • A device used to produce music.
  • A means or agency for achieving an effect.
  • A measuring or displaying device.
  • A tool, implement used for manipulation or measurement.
  • (legal) A legal document, such as a contract, deed, trust, mortgage, power, indenture, or will.
  • (figuratively) A person used as a mere tool for achieving a goal.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English instrument derived from Old French instrument derived from Latin īnstrūmentum (an implement, tool).

Origin

Latin

īnstrūmentum

Gloss

an implement, tool

Concept
Semantic Field

Basic actions and technology

Ontological Category

Person/Thing

Kanji

Emoji
⚒️ ⚓️ ⚗️ ⚙️ ⛏️ ✂️ 🎛️ 🔍️ 🔎 🔥 🔦 🔧 🔨 🔩 🔪 🔫 🔬 🔭 🔮 🗜️ 🛠️ 🧰 🪚 🪛

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms