[ap.pa.ra.tus] n, pl -tus.es or -tus [L, fr. apparare to prepare, fr. ad- + parare to prepare--more at pare] (ca. 1628) 1 a: a set of materials or equipment designed for a particular use b: a group of anatomical or cytological parts functioning together "mitotic ~" c: an instrument or appliance designed for a specific operation
2: the functional processes by means of which a systematized activity is carried out: as a: the machinery of government b: the organization of a political party or an underground movement