instrument noun ⇨medium (an instrument of control)⇨tool (a surgical instrument)
medium
noun
medium ♦︎ vehicle ♦︎ channel ♦︎ catalyst ♦︎ instrumentThese are all words for a person, thing or system that makes sth happen or allows sth to happen.这些词均表示使某事得以发生的手段、工具、方法。PATTERNS AND COLLOCATIONS 句型和搭配◆a medium / a vehicle / a channel / a catalyst / an instrument of / for sth◆the / a / an main / important / major / effective medium / vehicle / channel / catalyst / instrument◆a powerful medium / vehicle / catalyst / instrument◆a useful medium / vehicle / channel / catalyst / instrument◆the ideal / perfect medium / vehicle / instrument◆a key / great catalyst / instrument◆(a / an / the) appropriate / proper / right medium / vehicle / channels◆(a) political vehicle / channels / catalyst / instrument◆a medium / a vehicle / channels / an instrument of communication / expression◆to see / use sb / sth as a medium / a vehicle / a catalyst / an instrument◆to regard sb / sth as a medium / a vehicle / an instrument■medium(pluralmedia) [countable] (ratherformal) a way of communicating information or ideas to people（传播信息或思想的）媒介，手段，方法◆The internet is the modern medium of communication.互联网是现代传媒。◆The classes look at various electronic and audio-visual media.这些课会探讨各种电子和视听媒体。◆English is the medium of instruction(= the language used to teach other subjects).授课语言是英语。■vehicle [countable] (ratherformal) something that can be used to express your ideas or feelings or as a way of achieving sth（表达思想或感情，或达到目的的）手段，工具◆Art may be used as a vehicle for propaganda.艺术可用作政治宣传的工具。◆The play is an ideal vehicle for her talents.这部戏是她施展才华的理想机会。■channel [countable] ( channels [plural]) a method or system that people use to get information, to communicate, or to send sth somewhere; a way of expressing ideas and feelings途径；渠道；（表达思想和感情的）方式，手段◆Complaints must be made through the proper channels.投诉必须通过正当途径进行。◆The company has worldwide distribution channels.这家公司拥有遍布全世界的经销网络。◆Music is a great channel for releasing your emotions.音乐是宣泄情感的好方法。NOTE辨析 Vehicle or channel?Channel is used especially to talk about a method or system used to give information, or to direct feelings and ideas, that might otherwise become dangerous or difficult to deal with. Vehicle is used more to talk about a way of getting creative and political ideas or other beliefs across to the general public. * channel尤指用以传递信息的途径或体系，或是调节感情和思想的方法－若不加以调节，这些感情和思想有可能变得危险或难以处理。vehicle较多指将创造性的思想、政治理念或其他信仰传达给大众的手段、工具。■catalyst / /ˈkætəlɪst/ / [countable] (ratherformal) a person or thing that causes a change促使变化的人；引发变化的因素◆I see my role as being a catalyst for change.我认为我的作用是促成变革。◆The riots were later seen as the catalyst for the new political developments.这些骚乱后来被视为新的政治发展的催化剂。■instrument [countable] (formal) something that is used by sb in order to achieve sth; a person or thing that makes sth happen促成某事的人（或事物）；手段◆The law is not the best instrument for dealing with family matters.法律并非处理家庭问题的最佳手段。◆Financial aid can become an instrument of control rather than a support.财政援助有时会成为实施操控的手段，而非单纯的支持。
tool
noun
tool ♦︎ device ♦︎ aid ♦︎ instrument ♦︎ gadget ♦︎ implement ♦︎ utensilThese are all words for a thing that helps you to do your job or to achieve sth.这些词均表示工具、用具、器具。PATTERNS AND COLLOCATIONS 句型和搭配◆a useful tool / device / aid / gadget◆a little / special tool / device / instrument / gadget◆a basic tool / device / aid◆a simple / crude tool / device / instrument◆a sharp / metal tool / instrument / implement◆a mechanical / hi-tech device / aid / gadget◆an electrical / electronic device / gadget◆a teaching / training / research tool / device / aid◆a measuring / navigation / navigational tool / device / instrument◆a drawing / writing tool / aid / instrument / implement◆a medical / surgical device / instrument / implement◆a kitchen / household gadget / implement / utensil■tool [countable] a thing such as a hammer, screwdriver, saw, etc. that you hold in your hand and use for making things or repairing things; a thing that helps you to do your job or to achieve sth工具；用具；器具◆First prize is this beautiful set of garden tools.一等奖的奖品是这套漂亮的园艺工具。◆You will need a good-quality, sharp cutting tool.你要有一个高质量的锋利的切削工具。◆Always select the right tool for the job.一定要选对干活的工具。◆a tool kit(= a set of tools in a box or bag)一套工具◆We make use of various research tools such as questionnaires.我们使用问卷等不同的调研手段。■device [countable] (ratherformal) an object or piece of equipment that has been designed to do a particular job装置；仪器；器具；设备◆This device enables pilots to navigate with pinpoint accuracy.这个装置能使飞行员精准导航。◆The twentieth century saw the introduction of labour-saving devices around the home.20世纪出现了节省劳力的家用电器。ⓘ A device is usually a small piece of electrical equipment. * device通常指小型电器。■aid [countable] (especially in compounds尤用于构成复合词) an object, machine or tool that you use to help you do sth辅助设备◆You may need a hearing aid.你可能需要一个助听器。◆Photographs make useful teaching aids.照片是有用的教具。ⓘ An aid can be a small piece of equipment such as a hearing aid, or any type of object used in teaching. * aid可指小的辅助设备，如hearing aid，或任何类型的教具◆a classroom / teaching / visual aid课堂辅助用具；教具；直观教具■instrument [countable] a tool or device used for a particular task, especially for delicate or scientific work（尤指精密或科学工作用的）器械，仪器，器具◆surgical instruments外科器械◆This pen is the ideal precision instrument for all your graphic needs.这支笔是理想的精密器具，可满足您的一切绘图需要。◆medieval instruments of torture中世纪刑具■gadget / /ˈgædʒɪt/ / [countable] a small tool or device that does sth useful小器具；小装置◆Modern gadgets like these make a huge difference to home life.像这样的现代小装置使家庭生活大变样。ⓘ Gadget is usually used to talk about sth modern, especially sth electronic. * gadget通常指现代的东西，尤其是电子产品。■implement / /ˈɪmplɪmənt/ / [countable] (ratherformal) a tool or instrument, often one that is quite simple and that is used outdoors工具，器具（常指简单的户外用具）◆Various local crafts and agricultural implements are represented in the exhibition.当地的各种工艺品和农具都在展览中展出了。■utensil / /juːˈtensl/ / [countable] (ratherformal) a tool that is used in the house（家庭）用具，器皿◆Wash your hands and all cooking utensils after preparing raw meat.处理过生肉后要洗手并清洁所有的炊具。ⓘ Utensil is generally used to talk about sth used in the kitchen, especially those that can be held in the hand. * utensil一般指厨具，尤其是可以手持的。