instrumental

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in·stru·men·tal / ˌinstrəˈmentl/ • adj. 1. serving as an instrument or means in pursuing an aim or policy: the society was instrumental in bringing about legislation. ∎  relating to something's function as an instrument or means to an end: a very instrumental view of education and how it relates to their needs.2. (of music) performed on instruments, not sung: a largely instrumental piece. ∎  relating to musical instruments: brilliance of instrumental color.3. of or relating to an implement or measuring device: instrumental error instrumental delivery of a baby.4. Gram. denoting or relating to a case of nouns and pronouns (and words in grammatical agreement with them) indicating a means or instrument.• n. 1. a piece of (usually nonclassical) music performed solely by instruments, with no vocals.2. (the instrumental) Gram. the instrumental case. ∎  a noun in the instrumental case.DERIVATIVES: in·stru·men·tal·ly adv.

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