Definition of apparatus
apparatuses
orapparatus
1a : a set of materials or equipment designed for a particular useb : a group of anatomical or cytological parts functioning together mitotic apparatusc : 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 asa : the machinery of governmentb : the organization of a political party or an underground movement
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Recent Examples of apparatus from the Web
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The letter did not provide specific figures, but international safety standards generally call for street widths of at least 20 feet for fire apparatus.
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As Clinton ruefully recounted at the Code conference, by 2016 the national party apparatus was broken and starved of resources.
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But Li said his work has never attracted such scrutiny from China’s state security apparatus.
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And then there are animals that appear to offload part of their mental apparatus to structures outside of the neural system entirely.
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According to U.S. officials briefed on intelligence reports, Kushner and Kislyak discussed using Russian diplomatic facilities to shield their conversations from our own country's intelligence apparatus.
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DAPL opponents were met with a heavily militarized police apparatus including local and out of state police and sheriff’s deputies, as well as Bureau of Indian Affairs police and National Guard troops.
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Tighten any screws on the purifier or any apparatus mounting it to the wall.
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A technician starts a timer as a stream of water erupts from the apparatus’s brass tip, arcing into a urinal mounted exactly 12 inches away.
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.
Origin and Etymology of apparatus
Latin, from apparare to prepare, from ad- + parare to prepare — more at pare
First Known Use: circa 1628
Other Anatomy Terms
APPARATUS Defined for English Language Learners
apparatus
playDefinition of apparatus for English Language Learners
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: a tool or piece of equipment used for specific activities
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: the organization or system used for doing or operating something
APPARATUS Defined for Kids
apparatus
playDefinition of apparatus for Students
apparatuses
orapparatus
: the equipment or material for a particular use or job gymnasium apparatus laboratory apparatus
Medical Dictionary
Medical Definition of apparatus
apparatuses
orapparatus
: a group of anatomical and cytological parts having a common function the respiratory apparatus—see golgi apparatus
Learn More about apparatus
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See words that rhyme with apparatus Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for apparatus Spanish Central: Translation of apparatus Nglish: Translation of apparatus for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of apparatus for Arabic speakers
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