apparatus
apparatus Lexical Profile
apparatus Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The technical equipment, machinery, or instruments needed for a particular activity or purpose, especially in a scientific laboratory, gymnasium, or rescue operation.
"The chemistry students carefully assembled the glass distillation apparatus before heating the solution."
A complex structure within an organization or system, especially the bureaucratic or political machinery of a state or political party.
"The reform movement struggled to overcome the entrenched administrative apparatus of the central government."
A group of anatomically integrated organs or structures that work together to perform a specific physiological function, such as the digestive or vocal apparatus.
"Damage to the vestibular apparatus of the inner ear can severely disrupt a person's sense of balance."
A collection of notes, variant readings, glossaries, and other critical material accompanying a printed scholarly text.
"The new edition of the play includes an extensive critical apparatus detailing differences across early manuscripts."
Word Nuance & Usage
In standard usage, the plural of 'apparatus' can be either the unchanged 'apparatus' or the regular 'apparatuses'; it is also frequently used as an uncountable mass noun meaning equipment in general.
• Rhymes for apparatus
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 17th century directly from Latin 'apparatus' ('preparation, equipment, or gear'), a noun derived from the verb 'apparare' ('to prepare or make ready'), from 'ad-' ('to, toward') and 'parare' ('to make ready').
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.