apparatus

ap·pa·ra·tus

noun \ˌa-pə-ˈra-təs, -ˈrā-\

plural ap·pa·ra·tus·es or ap·pa·ra·tus

Definition of 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

2

: the functional processes by means of which a systematized activity is carried out <the apparatus of society>: as

a : the machinery of government

b : the organization of a political party or an underground movement

Examples of APPARATUS

1. She fell off a gymnastics apparatus and broke her leg.
2. <the hospital's operating rooms boast the very latest medical apparatus>

Origin of APPARATUS

Latin, from apparare to prepare, from ad- + parare to prepare — more at pare

First Known Use: circa 1628

Related to APPARATUS

Synonyms

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

Related Words

accessories, appurtenances, attachments, fittings; baggage, belongings, impedimenta; appliances, facilities, instruments, machinery, tools; apparel, attire, habiliments, raiment, trappings; armamentarium, armory, arsenal, battery; assets, resources

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

Rhymes with APPARATUS

altostratus, cirrostratus, nimbostratus

ap·pa·ra·tus

noun \ˌap-ə-ˈrat-əs, -ˈrāt-\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural ; ap·pa·ra·tus·esor ; ap·pa·ra·tus

Medical Definition of APPARATUS

: a group of anatomical and cytological parts having a common function <the respiratory apparatus>—see golgi apparatus