apparatus

noun

ap·pa·ra·tus ˌa-pə-ˈra-təs

-ˈrā-

plural apparatuses or apparatus

Synonyms of apparatus next

: a set of materials or equipment designed for a particular use

: a group of anatomical or cytological parts functioning together

mitotic apparatus

: an instrument or appliance designed for a specific operation

an apparatus for measuring vision

: the functional processes by means of which a systematized activity is carried out

the apparatus of society

: such as

: the machinery of government

: the organization of a political party or an underground movement

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web If an innocent visitor fits a certain pattern, the guard automatically detains them and sends messengers to alert the entire security apparatus of an apparent threat. —

Christiane Gelitz, Scientific American, 4 May 2023 That includes 22 reps on a 325-pound bench press and, without trouble, pumping reps at the maximum 800 pounds on a combo twists apparatus. —

Michael Gehlken, Dallas News, 29 Apr. 2023 Richard persevered, using his consistency on all six apparatus to win the all-around and help Michigan win the team title at the Big Ten Championships two weeks ago. —

Kat Cornetta, BostonGlobe.com, 16 Apr. 2023 But inside Silicon Valley Bank, executives were trying to navigate the U.S. banking system’s creaky apparatus for emergency lending and to persuade its custodian bank to stay open late to handle a multibillion-dollar transfer. —

Hannah Miao, WSJ, 22 Mar. 2023 There is show-and-tell with an apparatus that can detect volatile chemicals in the parts-per-trillion range. —

Dan Zak, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2023 So the central leadership had to take bolder steps to force their arm such as dismantling the nationwide tracking apparatus. —

Time, 21 Dec. 2022 In the middle of the warehouse floor, an apparatus the size and shape of a ballroom chandelier dangled from metal scaffolding. —

Stephen Witt, The New Yorker, 12 Dec. 2022 The right-wing media apparatus pushing the story has, naturally, asserted that the mum reaction is effectively because the mainstream press is made up of left-wing hacks who want to hide the truth from the public. —

Oliver Darcy, CNN, 12 Dec. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'apparatus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler

The first known use of apparatus was circa 1628

See more words from the same year