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Word

apparatus

noun C1
/ˌæp.əˈɹeɪ.təs/

Meanings

noun

A set of equipment or instruments used for a particular task, especially in science or technology.

apparatus: A set of equipment or instruments used for a particular task, especially in science or technology.
noun

A complex machine or device designed to do a specific job.

apparatus: A complex machine or device designed to do a specific job.
noun

The system and staff through which an organization or government operates.

apparatus: The system and staff through which an organization or government operates.

Definition

An apparatus is a set of equipment or devices designed for a particular purpose.

An apparatus is a group of tools, machines, or instruments used to carry out a specific task, often in a technical or scientific context. It can refer to a single complex piece of equipment or an entire setup working together. In a broader sense, it can also mean the people and systems that make an organization function.

Examples

  • The researchers calibrated the apparatus carefully before starting the experiment.
  • I couldn’t replicate the results because my apparatus wasn’t stable under high pressure.
  • She described the apparatus in meticulous detail, so the technicians could assemble it without guesswork.
  • They criticized the party’s apparatus for prioritizing procedure over practical outcomes.

Common mistake

Learners often use "an apparatus" when they mean a single simple tool; "a device" or "an instrument" is usually better for one small item.