instrumental (adj.)youdaoicibaDictYouDict[instrumental 词源字典]
late 14c., "of the nature of an instrument," from Old French instrumental, from Medieval Latin instrumentalis, from Latin instrumentum (see instrument). Meaning "serviceable, useful" is from c. 1600. Of music, c. 1500; noun meaning "musical composition for instruments only" is attested by 1940. Related: Instrumentally; instrumentality.[instrumental etymology, instrumental origin, 英语词源]