instrumentality

[ in-struh-men-tal-i-tee ]

noun

, plural in·stru·men·tal·i·ties

1. the quality or state of being instrumental.
2. the fact or function of serving some purpose.
3. a means or agency.

Word History and Origins

Origin of instrumentality¹

First recorded in 1645–55; instrumental + -ity

Example Sentences

Defense attorneys said the charge was improper because their clients weren’t trying to capture Arbery for ransom or some other benefit, and the trucks weren’t used as an “instrumentality of interstate commerce.”

From Seattle Times

In his ruling, Stein wrote that affidavits supporting requests for search warrants only needed to establish probable cause that searches would turn up “evidence, fruits, or instrumentalities of a crime.”

From Seattle Times

On Tuesday, lawmakers also advanced bills that would designate illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities as a crime of violence.

From Seattle Times

The majority concluded that, because the corporation is a "public instrumentality" and part of its government, the state of Missouri will be harmed by the student debt relief plan.

From Salon

This issue is more complicated than most, in large measure because the industry directly affected is already accustomed to being an instrumentality of the federal government.

From Washington Times