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

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of apparatus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The royal apparatus has begun to prepare for the inevitable moment when the Queen's reign ends. — Victoria Murphy, Town & Country, "Why Camilla Will Be Key to Prince Charles's Reign," 6 Apr. 2019 This result means that the infinite apparatus in RT_2^2 can be wielded to prove new facts in finitistic mathematics, forming a surprising bridge between the finite and the infinite. — Quanta Magazine, "Mathematicians Bridge Finite-Infinite Divide," 24 May 2016 Those polling numbers are one reason the Trump administration’s policy apparatus has been laser-focused on parochial Florida issues. — Tim Fernholz, Quartz, "Florida is ground zero for Donald Trump’s re-election," 18 June 2019 Their pressure compelled Bashir’s former allies in Sudan’s security apparatus to remove him from power. — Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, "The warlord wrecking Sudan’s revolution," 18 June 2019 Funes appointed David Munguía Payés, a former general for the military government, to be the new minister of public security, a post that would give him control of the state security apparatus, including the prison system. — Daniel Castro, Harper's magazine, "The Truce," 10 June 2019 Watchdogs and ethics advocates say the glacial pace of the Marionneaux case and its limited scope exemplify the weaknesses of Louisiana’s ethics enforcement apparatus. — Andrea Gallo, ProPublica, "Why the “Most Egregious” Ethics Case in Louisiana Remains Open Nine Years Later," 16 May 2019 Those efforts accelerated Sunday with the departure of Kirstjen Nielsen as secretary of the sprawling agency that oversees the U.S.’s immigration and national-security apparatus. ... — Vivian Salama, WSJ, "White House Seeks Tighter Grip on Immigration Policy," 8 Apr. 2019 Maassen may be out of the firing line for now, but the 55-year-old will likely remain influential behind the scenes within Germany's security apparatus. — Fox News, "Top German spy ousted after clash with Merkel over migrants," 18 Sep. 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.