apparatus

noun

ap·​pa·​ra·​tus ˌa-pə-ˈra-təs How to pronounce apparatus (audio) -ˈrā- How to pronounce apparatus (audio)
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

Examples of apparatus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Members of Russia’s vast security apparatus are first and foremost agents of regime protection. Joshua Yaffa, The New Yorker, 24 Mar. 2024 The new building will have living quarters, training facilities, kitchen and dining areas, vehicle apparatus bays and more, Levin’s announcement states. Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2024 The thrilling footage shows Holladay perform that stunt, which involves fitting a cannon-like apparatus beneath a car that shoots toward the ground. Angelique Jackson, Variety, 15 Mar. 2024 It was spread on social media by people who have long had links with the Kremlin’s state media apparatus. Steven Lee Myers, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2024 Data centers house servers, networking equipment and other apparatus, usually in unobtrusive, nondescript buildings. The Arizona Republic, 4 Mar. 2024 Apple provides two straps with Apple Vision Pro, a thick single strap and a double-strap apparatus. Lauren Goode, WIRED, 22 Feb. 2024 Would part of that investment look at staffing up a huge apparatus for The Telegraph digitally here in the U.S? Lachlan Cartwright, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 2024 The president then offered the general other prominent positions in the national-security apparatus, but Zaluzhny declined them. Kori Schake, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'apparatus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of apparatus was circa 1628

Dictionary Entries Near apparatus

Cite this Entry

“Apparatus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apparatus. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

apparatus

noun
ap·​pa·​ra·​tus ˌap-ə-ˈrat-əs How to pronounce apparatus (audio) -ˈrāt- How to pronounce apparatus (audio)
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 How to pronounce apparatus (audio) -ˈrāt- How to pronounce apparatus (audio)
plural apparatuses or apparatus
: a group of anatomical and cytological parts having a common function
the respiratory apparatus
see golgi apparatus

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