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apparatus definition

ap·pa·ra·tus (ap′ə rat′əs, -rāt′-)

noun pl. apparatus -·ra′·tus or apparatuses -·ra′·tuses

  1. the instruments, materials, tools, etc. needed for a specific use
  2. any complex device or machine for a specific use
  3. Physiol. a set of organs having a specific function the digestive apparatus
  4. the means or system by which something is kept in action or a desired result is obtained; organization the apparatus of government
  5. the notes, indexes, glossaries, etc. of a scholarly edition of a text
    in full apparatus criticus apparatus crit′i·cus (krit′i kəs)

Etymology: L, a making ready, preparation < apparare < ad-, to + parare, prepare

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Alternate definitions:

medical apparatus definition - medical

apparatus Synonyms

apparatus

n.

appliance, machinery, contrivance, paraphernalia; see device 1, equipment.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

apparatus Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • repression: The apparatus of Nazi repression depended on knowing who and where every citizen was and which God they worshiped.

Converse of object

  • breathe: Officers used breathing apparatus to tackle the flames, which left the building gutted.

Adjective modifier

  • repressive: Public expressions of anger were met with the ' repressive state apparatus ' in the form of riot police.

Modifies a noun

  • criticus: The text itself is accompanied by an apparatus criticus, translation and commentary on its main aspects.

Noun used with modifier

  • breathing: Four crew members in breathing apparatus used two hose reels to tackle the blaze.
apparatus usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

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MLA Style

"apparatus." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/apparatus>

APA Style

apparatus. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/apparatus

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