apparatus

noun ap·pa·ra·tus \ ˌa-pə-ˈra-təs , -ˈrā- \

Updated on: 16 Apr 2018

Definition of apparatus

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

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Recent Examples of apparatus from the Web

Zimmerman determined in 2015 that a $3.8 million renovation of the joint police-fire building on Murray Avenue could remodel the police department, install new mechanical services throughout the building and add a 3,600-square-foot apparatus bay.

— jeff rumage, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Shorewood firehouse would be renovated or rebuilt if sold to North Shore Fire Department," 4 Apr. 2018
Memphis did not feel the full flames of riots in April 1968, in part because of King’s organizing apparatus.

— latoya ruby frazier, The Atlantic, "The Geography of Oppression," 3 Apr. 2018
Conservative politicians and donors have long decried the lack of such a media apparatus beyond Fox News.

— david zurawik, baltimoresun.com, "Trump tweets away what's left of Sinclair's credibility," 2 Apr. 2018
Levine traces this legacy through a vast range of technological endeavors today, and calls out big tech firms as arms of the surveillance apparatus.

— sheelah kolhatkar, The New Yorker, "Briefly Noted," 2 Apr. 2018
At 34,080 square feet, the station has six pull-through apparatus bays for engines, trucks and ambulances, as well as kitchen and living space for crews and a hall for community events.

— kate magill, Columbia Flier, "Elkridge fire station opens with room to grow," 29 Mar. 2018
Newman raised more than $1 million to help pay for advertising, signs and campaign apparatus.

— john byrne, chicagotribune.com, "Newman trying to turn progressive energy into votes against the Lipinski brand," 12 Mar. 2018
What propelled this one to popularity — and eventually into YouTube’s promotional apparatus — came from outside the platform.

— john herrman, idahostatesman, "What does it take to make a top-ranked conspiracy video? An Idahoan, apparently | Idaho Statesman," 22 Feb. 2018
The campaign fundraising emails are run by the joint committee between the Republican National Committee and the President's campaign apparatus.

— tal kopan, CNN, "Trump campaign rallies supporters on Census citizenship question," 28 Mar. 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.

Origin and Etymology of apparatus

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1628

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year