[ ˌapə'reɪtəs ]
■ noun ( plural ~es )
1》 the technical equipment or machinery needed for a particular activity or purpose.
2》 a complex structure within an organization: the ~ of government.
3》 (also critical ~ , ~ criticus ) a collection of notes accompanying a printed text.
Origin
C17: from L., from apparat- , apparare 'make ready for'.