instrument/ˋInstrəmənt; ˈInstrəmənt or ˈInstrʊmənt/n [C]1 a special tool or piece of equipment, especially one used in science or medicine〔尤用于科学或医学的〕器械﹐器具﹔仪器﹐仪表: scientific instruments 科学仪器navigation instruments 导航仪器2 an object for producing music, such as a piano or VIOLIN 乐器: Can you play any musical instruments ? 你会什么乐器吗?wind/percussion/stringed instrument 管乐器/打击乐器/弦乐器3 formal someone or something that is used to achieve a particular result【正式】〔用来达到某一目的的〕工具﹔手段﹐方法: +of an instrument of social change 促成社会变革的措施