This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
apparatus
[ ap-uh-rat-uhs, -rey-tuhs ]
/ ˌæp əˈræt əs, -ˈreɪ təs /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun, plural ap·pa·rat·us, ap·pa·rat·us·es.
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.
any complex instrument or mechanism for a particular purpose.
any system or systematic organization of activities, functions, processes, etc., directed toward a specific goal: the apparatus of government; espionage apparatus.
Physiology. a group of structurally different organs working together in the performance of a particular function: the digestive apparatus.
OTHER WORDS FOR apparatus
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
Words nearby apparatus
appam, appanage, appar., apparat, apparatchik, apparatus, apparatus criticus, apparel, apparent, apparent candlepower, apparentement
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use apparatus in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for apparatus
apparatus
/ (ˌæpəˈreɪtəs, -ˈrɑːtəs, ˈæpəˌreɪtəs) /
noun plural -ratus or -ratuses
a collection of instruments, machines, tools, parts, or other equipment used for a particular purpose
a machine having a specific functionbreathing apparatus
the means by which something operates; organizationthe apparatus of government
anatomy any group of organs having a specific function
Word Origin for apparatus
C17: from Latin, from apparāre to make ready
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012