apparatus

noun

ap·​pa·​ra·​tus ˌa-pə-ˈra-təs  -ˈrā- 

plural apparatuses or apparatus

1

a

: 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

• accoutrements
• accouterments
• equipment
• gear
• hardware
• kit [chiefly British]
• material(s)
• matériel
• materiel
• outfit
• paraphernalia
• stuff
• tackle

Examples of apparatus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The apparatus is almost calibrated for caution: Each party is guaranteed at least two commissioners at all times. —Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Mar. 2025

Trump's team has made an opening move to shrink the federal education apparatus dramatically. —Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025

Mulaney’s four-wheeled friend needed no introduction for those who watched the bug-eyed apparatus develop into a full-fledged character last spring, but neophytes dropping in on a major launch from a worldwide streamer may have been left scratching their heads. —Alison Herman, Variety, 13 Mar. 2025

Now, Homan’s administration wants to use the awesome powers of the federal law enforcement apparatus to intimidate and silence those who disagree with their policy agenda. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2025

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

Phrases Containing apparatus

• Golgi apparatus

Rhymes for apparatus

• superlattice
• beatus
• flatus
• gratis
• lattice
• rattus
• satis
• status
• stratus

Kids Definition

apparatus

noun

ap·​pa·​ra·​tus ˌap-ə-ˈrat-əs  -ˈrāt- 

plural apparatuses or apparatus

1

: the equipment or material for a particular use or job

laboratory apparatus

2

: a complicated instrument or device

Medical Definition

apparatus

noun

ap·​pa·​ra·​tus ˌap-ə-ˈrat-əs  -ˈrāt- 

plural apparatuses or apparatus

: a group of anatomical and cytological parts having a common function

the respiratory apparatus

see golgi apparatus