apparatus

[ ap-uh-rat-uhs, -rey-tuhs ]

noun

, plural ap·pa·rat·us, ap·pa·rat·us·es.

1. a group or combination of instruments, machinery, tools, materials, etc., having a particular function or intended for a specific use:

   Our town has excellent fire-fighting apparatus.

2. any complex instrument or mechanism for a particular purpose.

   Synonyms: contrivance, contraption, device, appliance, machine

3. any system or systematic organization of activities, functions, processes, etc., directed toward a specific goal:

   the apparatus of government; espionage apparatus.

4. Physiology. a group of structurally different organs working together in the performance of a particular function:

   the digestive apparatus.

apparatus

/ ˌæpəˈreɪtəs; ˈæpəˌreɪtəs; -ˈrɑːtəs /

noun

1. a collection of instruments, machines, tools, parts, or other equipment used for a particular purpose
2. a machine having a specific function

   breathing apparatus

3. the means by which something operates; organization

   the apparatus of government

4. anatomy any group of organs having a specific function

Word History and Origins

Origin of apparatus¹

1620–30; < Latin apparātus equipment, originally the act of equipping, preparation, equivalent to apparā ( re ) to prepare ( ap- ap- ¹ + parāre; prepare ) + -tus suffix of v. action

Word History and Origins

Origin of apparatus¹

C17: from Latin, from apparāre to make ready

Example Sentences

But given the ephemeral nature of China’s censorship apparatus, those tags can quickly evolve.

From Los Angeles Times

He is just about the last person that a rational citizen would want to put in charge of the nation’s law enforcement apparatus.

From Slate

Putting Gabbard in charge of the intelligence apparatus is one way of doing that.

From Slate

"I prided myself on my health and fitness," says Nik, who now uses a motorised wheelchair and breathing apparatus.

From BBC

Crews wore breathing apparatus to enter the property and extinguished the blaze by 05:55 GMT.

From BBC

Related Words

• appliance
• device
• gear
• gizmo
• machine
• machinery
• means
• mechanism