apparatuses

Variant of apparatus

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 © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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