apparatus
noun
ap·pa·ra·tus
ˌa-pə-ˈra-təs 
-ˈrā-
-ˈrā-
plural apparatuses or apparatus
1
a
: a set of materials or equipment designed for a particular use
b
: a group of anatomical or cytological parts functioning together
mitotic apparatus
c
: an instrument or appliance designed for a specific operation
an apparatus for measuring vision
2
: the functional processes by means of which a systematized activity is carried out
the apparatus of society
: such as
a
: the machinery of government
b
: the organization of a political party or an underground movement
Synonyms
Examples of apparatus in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Building the apparatus in-house with sophisticated technology, data management skills and specialized personnel is almost as much of a barrier as trying to personalize creatives manually.
—
Zack Dugow, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024
Her explorations of these themes center around painting, sculpture, and assemblage, and frequently incorporate sound and the apparatus of musicmaking.
—News Desk, Artforum, 18 Sep. 2024
The apparatus was mounted on a light-emitting diode panel for a uniform light background.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 12 Sep. 2024
The report points to a 40-year-old Border Patrol training manual that had not been updated to accurately reflect the post-9/11 federal law enforcement apparatus under the Department of Homeland Security.
—Luke Barr, ABC News, 12 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for apparatus 
Zack Dugow, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024
Her explorations of these themes center around painting, sculpture, and assemblage, and frequently incorporate sound and the apparatus of musicmaking.
—News Desk, Artforum, 18 Sep. 2024
The apparatus was mounted on a light-emitting diode panel for a uniform light background.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 12 Sep. 2024
The report points to a 40-year-old Border Patrol training manual that had not been updated to accurately reflect the post-9/11 federal law enforcement apparatus under the Department of Homeland Security.
—Luke Barr, ABC News, 12 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for apparatus
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'apparatus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near apparatus
Cite this Entry
“Apparatus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apparatus. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
apparatus
noun
ap·pa·ra·tus
ˌap-ə-ˈrat-əs
-ˈrāt-
-ˈrāt-
plural apparatuses or apparatus
1
: the equipment or material for a particular use or job
laboratory apparatus
2
: a complicated instrument or device
Medical Definition
apparatus
noun
ap·pa·ra·tus
ˌap-ə-ˈrat-əs
-ˈrāt-
-ˈrāt-
plural apparatuses or apparatus
: a group of anatomical and cytological parts having a common function
the respiratory apparatus
see golgi apparatus
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