apparatus
[ ap-uh-rat-uhs, -rey-tuhs ]
/ ˌæp əˈræt əs, -ˈreɪ təs /
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.
Origin of apparatus
SYNONYMS FOR apparatus
Words nearby apparatus
appaloosa,
appanage,
appar.,
apparat,
apparatchik,
apparatus,
apparatus criticus,
apparel,
apparent,
apparent candlepower,
apparent horizon
Example sentences from the Web for apparatus
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 function
breathing apparatus
the means by which something operates; organization
the apparatus of government
anatomy
any group of organs having a specific function
Word Origin for apparatus
C17: from Latin, from
apparāre to make ready
Medical definitions for apparatus
apparatus
[ ăp′ə-rā′təs, -răt′əs ]
n. pl. apparatus
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.