Apparatus

Pronunciation

IPA: /æ.pəˈɹæ.təs/, /æ.pəˈɹeɪ.təs/, /æpəˈɹɑːtəs/
Rhymes: -eɪtəs

Origin

From Latin apparātus

Full definition of apparatus

Noun

apparatus

(plural apparatuses or apparatus)

The entirety of means whereby a specific production is made existent or task accomplished.
A complex machine or instrument.
An assortment of tools or instruments.
A bureaucratic organization, especially one influenced by political patronage.
(firefighting) A vehicle used for emergency response.

Usage notes

Is occasionally used as an invariant plural:

Look at all of those apparatus.

Synonyms

(entirety of means) setup, mechanism, dynamic
(complex machine) instrument, machinery, device
(assortment of tools) tools, gear, equipment
(political patronage organization) machine

Related terms

apparat