instrument
n
1 implement or apparatus used in performing an action, esp for delicate or scientific work 器具; 器械; 儀器
a surgicalinstrument, eg a scalpel 外科器械(如手術刀)
an opticalinstrument, eg a microscope 光學儀器(如顯微鏡)
instruments of torture 刑具.
2 apparatus for producing musical sounds, eg a piano, violin, flute or drum 樂器(如鋼琴、 小提琴、 笛或鼓)
learning to play an instrument 學習演奏樂器
the instruments of the orchestra 演奏管弦樂的樂器.
3 measuring device giving information about the operation of an engine, etc or in navigation (發動機等或航海、 航空中用的)測量儀器, 儀表
a ship's instruments 船用測量儀器
[attrib 作定語]
an instrument panel 儀表盤. =>Usage at machine 用法見machine.
4
(a) ~ of sb/sth person used and controlled by another person, organization, etc, often without being aware of it 受人利用或控制的人(常為不自覺的)
We humans are merely the instruments of fate. 我們人類只不過是天命的工具.
(b) ~ of sth person or thing that brings sth about 促成某事的人或物
The organization he had built up eventually became the instrument of his downfall. 他創建起來的組織到頭來卻成為促使他倒臺的根本原因了.
5 ~ (of sth) formal (esp legal) document 正式的(尤指合法的)文件、 文書
The king signed the instrument of abdication. 國王簽署了遜位的文告.