apparatus
- 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.
Origin of apparatus
Synonyms for apparatus
See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.comRelated Words for apparatus
gear, means, appliance, mechanism, machine, machinery, device, gizmo, hierarchy, bureaucracy, network, structure, jigger, doodad, gimmick, paraphernalia, dingbat, supplies, contraption, widgetExamples from the Web for apparatus
Contemporary Examples of apparatus
Safety officials believe it snapped, sending both acrobats and apparatus hurtling 25 to 40 feet to the floor.
The apparatus the Clintons have in place could be a bit rusty, so this dustup is a test run for bigger battles ahead.
It is difficult to have perspective on a problem when you have been personally part of the apparatus.
Past Scott Walker: Fight Crosses Party Lines as California Voters Back Pension ReformsJohn Avlon
June 7, 2012
The apparatus works its mayhem sprinkled with the Holy Water of transparency and consequences.
But for a potential presidential candidate to have no apparatus for massaging the media is remarkable.
Historical Examples of apparatus
The apparatus and its weights are arranged in the interior of the vessel.
This apparatus is intended to carry only one person (the operator).
Flying MachinesW.J. Jackman and Thos. H. Russell
With this apparatus the message was registered at the rate of six words a minute.
Heroes of the TelegraphJ. Munro
Wheatstone and he obtained a considerable sum for the use of their apparatus.
Heroes of the TelegraphJ. Munro
This was the first apparatus which printed a telegram in type.
Heroes of the TelegraphJ. Munro
apparatus
- 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
Word Origin and History for apparatus
apparatus
(ăp′ə-rā′təs, -răt′əs)- An integrated group of materials or devices used for a particular purpose.
- A group or system of organs that collectively performs a specific function or process.