Definition of "tool"

Drawings and pictures are more than mere ornaments in scientific discourse. Blackboard sketches, geological maps, diagrams of molecular structure, astronomical photographs, MRI images, the many varieties of statistical charts and graphs: These pictorial devices are indispensable tools for presenting evidence, for explaining a theory, for telling a story.

2012 March, Brian Hayes, “Pixels or Perish”, in American Scientist‎, volume 100, number 2, archived from the original on 19 February 2013, page 106

Not long ago, it was difficult to produce photographs of tiny creatures with every part in focus. […] A photo processing technique called focus stacking has changed that. Developed as a tool to electronically combine the sharpest bits of multiple digital images, focus stacking is a boon to biologists seeking full focus on a micron scale.

2013 July-August, Catherine Clabby, “Focus on Everything”, in American Scientist‎, archived from the original on 11 May 2017

When asked what he liked about Youk [Kevin Youkilis], former Boston scout Matt Haas says, "At first glance, not a lot." (Mind you, this is one of the few scouts who actually wanted the kid.) "He was unorthodox," says Haas, who now scouts for the Arizona Diamondbacks. "He had an extreme crouch—his thighs were almost parallel to the ground. And he was heavier than he is now. But the more I watched him, the more I just thought, Throw the tools out the window. This guy can play baseball."

2007 November 7, Mark Bechtel, “"there's Something Fun About Yooouuuk"”, in Sports Illustrated‎, archived from the original on 2008-10-14

Or haue wee some strange Indian with the great Toole, come to Court, the women so besiege vs?

1613 (date written), William Shakespeare, [John Fletcher], “The Famous History of the Life of King Henry the Eight”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act V, scene iv], page 231

She wanna hang with the goonsShe wanna party midnight till noonShe wanna play with my tool

2019 February 1, Burna Bandz (lyrics and music), “Goons” (track 13), in Compact Burna‎

In my city keep a toolLil nigga you know the rules

2019 February 1, Burna Bandz (lyrics and music), “Goons” (track 13), in Compact Burna‎

Do this lab and read this book, now tool, one and all,And be sure and pass that final quiz or be screwed right to the wall.

1965, Matt Fichtenbaum, Dan Murphy, “The Institute Screw”, in The Broadside of Boston, volume III, number 22

Among those who seemed disposed to join in this opinion was the Jehu of the Warwickshire coach, who expressed his conviction to our hero, that "he wos a young gent as had much himproved hisself since he tooled him up to the Warsity with his guvnor."

1850s, Cuthbert M. Bede, The Adventures of Mr. Verdant Green

boys on their bicycles tooling along the well-kept roads

March 8, 1890, Byron P. Stephenson, "My Trip to Brazil", in Illustrated American

These are the guys that tool around in Mercedes Sprinter vans with equipment lockers stuffed with everything from riot helmets to tasers.

2011, Ben Aaronovitch, Rivers of London, Gollancz, published 2011, page 324