tool
The word carries a strong association with utility and precision. When used for physical objects, it evokes a sense of craftsmanship and the ability to extend human capability through mechanical means. It is a neutral term in technical contexts but becomes highly specialized in software development to describe programs that automate tasks. When applied to a person, the word shifts into a harsh pejorative. It implies a total lack of agency or intelligence, suggesting the person is a mindless instrument being operated by someone more clever. This usage is informal and carries a stinging social judgment.
Countable when referring to a physical object like a screwdriver. Uncountable when referring to the general concept of utility or a set of methods.