ˌapəˈra]d.əs, -ā], ]təs sometimes -ȧ] noun
( plural apparatuses or apparatus )
Etymology: Latin, preparation, equipment, from apparatus, past participle of apparare to prepare, from ad- + parare to make ready — more at pare
1. obsolete : a preparation for action
2.
a. : a collection or set of materials, instruments, appliances, or machinery designed for a particular use
the apparatus of art — Arnold Bennett
as
(1) : scholarly resources used in the critical study of documents and texts
(2) : fire apparatus
(3) : gymnastic equipment (as parallel bars)
worked out on the apparatus for an hour
b. : any compound instrument or appliance designed for a specific mechanical or chemical action or operation : machinery , mechanism
c. : a system or group of physical organs that unite in a common function
the respiratory apparatus
3. : the complex of instrumentalities and processes by means of which an organization functions or a systematized activity is carried out:
a. : the machinery of government
b. : the organization of a political party or of an underground movement
Synonyms: see equipment , machine