apparatus

[ ap-uh-rat-uhs, -rey-tuhs ]

noun

, plural ap·pa·rat·us, ap·pa·rat·us·es.

1. a group or combination of instruments, machinery, tools, materials, etc., having a particular function or intended for a specific use:

   Our town has excellent fire-fighting apparatus.

2. any complex instrument or mechanism for a particular purpose.

   Synonyms: contrivance, contraption, device, appliance, machine

3. any system or systematic organization of activities, functions, processes, etc., directed toward a specific goal:

   the apparatus of government; espionage apparatus.

4. Physiology. a group of structurally different organs working together in the performance of a particular function:

   the digestive apparatus.

apparatus

/ ˌæpəˈreɪtəs; ˈæpəˌreɪtəs; -ˈrɑːtəs /

noun

1. a collection of instruments, machines, tools, parts, or other equipment used for a particular purpose
2. a machine having a specific function

   breathing apparatus

3. the means by which something operates; organization

   the apparatus of government

4. anatomy any group of organs having a specific function

Word History and Origins

Origin of apparatus¹

1620–30; < Latin apparātus equipment, originally the act of equipping, preparation, equivalent to apparā ( re ) to prepare ( ap- ap- ¹ + parāre; prepare ) + -tus suffix of v. action

Word History and Origins

Origin of apparatus¹

C17: from Latin, from apparāre to make ready

Related Words

• appliance
• device
• gear
• gizmo
• machine
• machinery
• means
• mechanism