/ ˌæpəˈreɪtəs; NAmE -ˈrætəs/ noun ( pl. ap·par·atuses )
1.
[ U ] the tools or other pieces of equipment that are needed for a particular activity or task :
a piece of laboratory apparatus
Firefighters needed breathing apparatus to enter the burning house.
➡ note at equipment
2.
[ C , usually sing. ] the structure of a system or an organization, particularly that of a political party or a government :
the power of the state apparatus
3.
[ C , usually sing. ] ( technical ) a system of organs in the body :
the sensory apparatus
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WORD ORIGIN
early 17th cent.: from Latin , from apparare make ready for, from ad- towards + parare make ready.