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 of apparatus

• equipment
• gear

Examples of apparatus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, Michell also devised a method for measuring G independently of any mass in the Universe, designing and constructing an apparatus known as a torsion balance back in 1783. —Big Think, 14 Nov. 2025

While chlorophyll’s sugar production is an important feature, the photoprotection of the leaf apparatus is also essential. —Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 14 Nov. 2025

Much of that work, Ross told IndieWire, has nothing to do with the cinematic apparatus itself. —Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 13 Nov. 2025

Hasina’s government helped India meet critical security objectives—notably, dismantling networks of anti-Indian insurgents that operated out of Bangladesh—and in return, India bolstered Bangladesh’s authoritarian security apparatus. —Muhib Rahman, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2025

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

Rhymes for apparatus

• superlattice
• beatus
• flatus
• gratis
• lattice
• rattus
• satis
• status
• stratus

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