INSTRUMENTAL

Pronunciation (US): (GB):

I. (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Serving or acting as a means or aid

Example:

instrumental in solving the crime

Synonyms:

implemental; instrumental; subservient

Classified under:

Adjectives

Similar:

helpful (providing assistance or serving a useful function)

Derivation:

instrument (the means whereby some act is accomplished)

instrumentality (an artifact (or system of artifacts) that is instrumental in accomplishing some end)

instrumentality (the quality of being instrumental for some purpose)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Relating to or designed for or performed on musical instruments

Example:

an instrumental ensemble

Classified under:

Relational adjectives (pertainyms)

Antonym:

vocal (relating to or designed for or using the singing voice)

Pertainym:

musical instrument (any of various devices or contrivances that can be used to produce musical tones or sounds)

Derivation:

instrument (any of various devices or contrivances that can be used to produce musical tones or sounds)

Credits

Context examples:

Instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) are activities related to independent living and include preparing meals, managing money, shopping, doing housework, and using a telephone.

(ADL, NCI Dictionary)

MSD scientists were instrumental in highlighting how the proteomic genetic data could be used for drug discovery.

(Scientists create ‘genetic atlas’ of proteins in human blood, University of Cambridge)

Instrumental activities of daily living are activities related to independent living and include preparing meals, managing money, shopping, doing housework, and using a telephone.

(Activities of daily living, NCI Dictionary)

IDPs are instrumental to cellular function, and many biomedical engineers have concentrated their efforts on an extremely useful IDP called elastin.

(Biomaterial Artificial Protein Helps Heal Tissue, The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin)

A standardized questionnaire developed by Pfeiffer et al in 1982 and adapted by National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC), which is used to measure instrumental activities of daily living such as preparing meals and managing personal finances in older adults with dementia.

(Functional Activities Questionnaire-NACC Version, NCI Thesaurus)

A recent study investigating depression risks for men and women indicated that men are more affected by failures at key instrumental tasks, such as expected work achievements and failures to provide adequately for the family.

(Depression - men far more at risk than women in deprived areas, University of Cambridge)

They sang together once more; and Emma would then resign her place to Miss Fairfax, whose performance, both vocal and instrumental, she never could attempt to conceal from herself, was infinitely superior to her own.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

It was creditable to have a sister married, and she might flatter herself with having been greatly instrumental to the connexion, by keeping Anne with her in the autumn; and as her own sister must be better than her husband's sisters, it was very agreeable that Captain Wentworth should be a richer man than either Captain Benwick or Charles Hayter.

(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)

An adverse event for which only minimal, local, or noninvasive intervention (e.g. packing, cautery) is indicated; or that limits instrumental activities of daily living (ADLs, e.g., shopping, laundry, transportation, or ability to conduct finances).

(Moderate Adverse Event, NCI Thesaurus)

This makes March 20 a day when a friend could be instrumental in seeing that you make money or secure loans you might need for a major goal, such as to start a business, go back to college, buy a house, or have a baby.