1
- a tool or implement, especially one for delicate or scientific work（尤指灵敏度高的）仪器, 器具：
a surgical instrument
外科器械
instruments of torture
刑具
writing instruments.
书写工具。
1.1
- a thing used in pursuing an aim or policy; a means手段, 方法：
drama as an instrument of learning.
作为学习手段的戏剧。
1.2
- a person who is exploited or made use of被利用的人, 工具：
he was a mere instrument acting under coercion.
他只是被迫做事的工具。
2
- a measuring device used to gauge the level, position, speed, etc. of something, especially a motor vehicle or aircraft（尤指机动车或飞机的）仪器, 仪表。
3
- （亦作musical instrument）an object or device for producing musical sounds乐器：
a percussion instrument.
打击乐器。
4
- a formal document, especially a legal one（尤指法律）公文, 文书：
execution involves signature and unconditional delivery of the instrument.
公文需签署并无条件送达才能执行。
词源
Middle English: from Old French, or from Latin instrumentum 'equipment, implement', from the verb instruere 'construct, equip'.