apparatus

noun

ap·​pa·​ra·​tus ˌa-pə-ˈra-təs  -ˈrā- 

plural apparatuses or apparatus

1

a

: a set of materials or equipment designed for a particular use

b

: a group of anatomical or cytological parts functioning together

mitotic apparatus

c

: an instrument or appliance designed for a specific operation

an apparatus for measuring vision

2

: the functional processes by means of which a systematized activity is carried out

the apparatus of society

: such as

a

: the machinery of government

b

: the organization of a political party or an underground movement

Synonyms

• accoutrements
• accouterments
• equipment
• gear
• hardware
• kit [chiefly British]
• material(s)
• matériel
• materiel
• outfit
• paraphernalia
• stuff
• tackle

Examples of apparatus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Activated at night via remote control, the apparatus detects each breath and electrically activates the tongue to keep it from obstructing the airway. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 4 Apr. 2024

The attack has further dented the image of strength and security that the Russian leader seeks to convey and exposed fundamental weaknesses in the nation’s security apparatus, which has been consumed by more than two years of war in Ukraine. —Shane Harris, Washington Post, 2 Apr. 2024

Though the apparatus wasn’t widely available, this display represented a forerunner to real-time game updates on sports websites. —Frederic J. Frommer, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Mar. 2024

Like his other efforts, Stevenson’s Freedom Monument Sculpture Park is another teaching apparatus at a time when there are mounting attacks to eliminate Black history from being taught in public schools. —Curtis Bunn, NBC News, 21 Mar. 2024

Members of Russia’s vast security apparatus are first and foremost agents of regime protection. —Joshua Yaffa, The New Yorker, 24 Mar. 2024

The new building will have living quarters, training facilities, kitchen and dining areas, vehicle apparatus bays and more, Levin’s announcement states. —Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2024

The thrilling footage shows Holladay perform that stunt, which involves fitting a cannon-like apparatus beneath a car that shoots toward the ground. —Angelique Jackson, Variety, 15 Mar. 2024

It was spread on social media by people who have long had links with the Kremlin’s state media apparatus. —Steven Lee Myers, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin apparātus "act of preparing, display, trappings, equipment," from apparāre "to make ready, make preparations for" (from ad- ad- + parāre "to supply, provide, make ready") + -tus, suffix of verbal nouns — more at pare

First Known Use

circa 1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing apparatus

• Golgi apparatus

Kids Definition

apparatus

noun

ap·​pa·​ra·​tus ˌap-ə-ˈrat-əs  -ˈrāt- 

plural apparatuses or apparatus

1

: the equipment or material for a particular use or job

laboratory apparatus

2

: a complicated instrument or device

Medical Definition

apparatus

noun

ap·​pa·​ra·​tus ˌap-ə-ˈrat-əs  -ˈrāt- 

plural apparatuses or apparatus

: a group of anatomical and cytological parts having a common function

the respiratory apparatus

see golgi apparatus