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

Harris has been endorsed by Biden, and has taken control of Biden’s campaign apparatus. —Michael Scherer, Washington Post, 22 July 2024

The campaign would need to reinvigorate a Democratic fundraising apparatus that has stalled badly in the weeks since the debate. —David Lauter, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2024

When wires sag, they can get tangled or pulled down in the apparatus on the roof of a train or trolley that connects to them (known as a pantograph), causing delays or knocking a line out of service. —Anna Spiegel, Axios, 17 July 2024

Biles made a dominant return to this year’s Olympic trials, which consist of two days of competition, with each athlete doing all four gymnastics apparatuses — bars, beam, floor, and vault — on both days. —Li Zhou, Vox, 3 July 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