3. (Gram.)
Defn: Applied to a case expressing means or agency; as, the instrumental case. This is found in Sanskrit as a separate case, but in Greek it was merged into the dative, and in Latin into the ablative. In Old English it was a separate case, but has disappeared, leaving only a few anomalous forms. Instrumental errors, those errors in instrumental measurements, etc., which arise, exclusively from want of mathematical accuracy in an instrument.
INSTRUMENTALISM
In`stru*men"tal*ism, n. (Philos.)
Defn: The view that the sanction of truth is its utility, or that truth is genuine only in so far as it is a valuable instrument. — In`stru*men"tal*ist, n.
Instrumentalism views truth as simply the value belonging to certain ideas in so far as these ideas are biological functions of our organisms, and psychological functions whereby we direct our choices and attain our successes. Josiah Royce.
INSTRUMENTALIST
In`stru*men"tal*ist, n.
Defn: One who plays upon an instrument of music, as distinguished from a vocalist.
INSTRUMENTALITY
In`stru*men*tal"i*ty, n.; pl. Instrumentalities (.
Defn: The quality or condition of being instrumental; that which is instrumental; anything used as a means; medium; agency. The instrumentality of faith in justification. Bp. Burnet. The discovery of gunpowder developed the science of attack and defense in a new instrumentality. J. H. Newman.
INSTRUMENTALLY
In`stru*men"tal*ly, adv.