apparatus

noun

ap·pa·ra·tus | \ˌa-pə-ˈra-təs,

-ˈrā-

plural apparatuses or apparatus

Definition of apparatus

1a : 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 Example Sentences Learn More about apparatus

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Examples of apparatus in a Sentence

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Pressure will emerge from norm-centric circles to, ironically, ratify Trump’s misdeeds by refusing to even mount an attempt to clean house at the FBI, ICE, CBP, and other elements of the federal law enforcement apparatus. — Matthew Yglesias, Vox, "Donald Trump, the resistance, and the limits of normcore politics," 3 July 2018 This means sending the apparatus to space, so this Sunday a rocket traveling to the International Space Station will bring the Cold Atom Laboratory along for the ride. — Avery Thompson, Popular Mechanics, "NASA Is Finally Sending the Coldest Place on Earth to Space," 22 May 2018 An April 26 presentation to the council shows $85 million to $90 million needed to build two new fire stations and purchase fire apparatus and build a police substation in northeast Mesa. — Lily Altavena, azcentral, "Mesa to vote on public-safety tax hike, 1st of several money requests that may hit ballot," 9 May 2018 Some show waterfront cafés and recreational amenities like slides or climbing apparatuses. — John Gallagher, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit, come get a look at the potential future of the west riverfront," 8 Feb. 2018 The Tide moved on to the balance beam and featured high scores from seniors Lexi Garber and Guerrero; Garber scored a 9.9 and Guerrero closed out the apparatus with a 9.925. — Cheryl Wray, AL.com, "Tide gymnastics gets big win over No. 8 Arkansas," 3 Feb. 2018 As Dr Rajendran’s experiments are carefully shielded, only such particles, with their extraordinarily weak interactions with normal matter, would be expected to enter the apparatus and be detected. — The Economist, "Particle physicsFundamental physics is frustrating physicists," 13 Jan. 2018 For Mugisha Muntu, who led the army for a decade, the failings of the security apparatus illustrate the president’s two weaknesses: his desire to hang on to power and his tendency to subvert institutions. — The Economist, "Uganda’s politicised police force is not reducing crime," 5 July 2018 In practice, however, the Machine both assaults and abets this idea of the apparatus as a break—a relief from life and labor. — Michelle Weber, Longreads, "You’ll Dream What We Tell You To Dream and You’ll Like It," 5 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'apparatus.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.