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
Musk, whose growing political apparatus has already proved its mettle, will gain more than just an ally in the White House.
—
Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024
Kirk’s apparatus has gone from a conservative youth-outreach organization to an all-encompassing right-wing empire—one that has cultivated relationships with influential conservative faith groups, built a powerful media arm, and hosted rallies for Trump and other top Republicans.
—Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024
Birds’ vocal apparatus is more complex than ours: unlike humans, who produce sounds through a larynx, birds use a syrinx, which contains two sound-generation elements that can produce a range of frequencies.
—The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024
The state civil protection office said in a social media post that the blast was likely caused after smelting apparatus collapsed.
—Reuters, NBC News, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for apparatus 
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Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024
Kirk’s apparatus has gone from a conservative youth-outreach organization to an all-encompassing right-wing empire—one that has cultivated relationships with influential conservative faith groups, built a powerful media arm, and hosted rallies for Trump and other top Republicans.
—Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024
Birds’ vocal apparatus is more complex than ours: unlike humans, who produce sounds through a larynx, birds use a syrinx, which contains two sound-generation elements that can produce a range of frequencies.
—The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024
The state civil protection office said in a social media post that the blast was likely caused after smelting apparatus collapsed.
—Reuters, NBC News, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for apparatus
Dictionary Entries Near apparatus
Cite this Entry
“Apparatus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apparatus. Accessed 26 Nov. 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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