Apparatus Meaning and Definition
Apparatus
Pronunciation
/əˈpærətəs/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A device or machine used for a specific purpose; equipment or machinery; a system or organization used for a particular task or activity.
Examples
- The laboratory had an apparatus for testing the properties of materials.
- The company invested in a new apparatus for manufacturing its products.
Synonyms
- Device
- Machine
- Equipment
Antonyms
- Primitive
- Simple
Etymology
The word “apparatus” comes from the Latin “apparatus,” meaning “equipment” or “preparation.” It has evolved to encompass a broader meaning, including devices, machines, and systems.
Usage Notes
Apparatus is typically used in formal or technical contexts, such as science, medicine, or engineering. It can also be used in more general contexts to refer to complex systems or organizations.
Cultural References
The word apparatus has appeared in various forms of media, including literature, film, and music. For example, the term has been used in medical dramas to refer to complex medical equipment.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Apparatus is often used in idiomatic expressions, such as “the apparatus of war” or “the apparatus of the state.”
Related Words or Phrases
- Machinery
- Equipment
- Device
- System
Collocations
- Laboratory apparatus
- Medical apparatus
- Musical apparatus
Frequency of Use
Apparatus is relatively uncommon in everyday language, but it is frequently used in technical and formal contexts.
Common Misspellings
Apparatus is sometimes misspelled as “appatris,” “apparatus,” or “appartus.”