apparatus

English

/æ.pəˈɹeɪ.təs/, /æ.pəˈɹæ.təs/, /æpəˈɹɑːtəs/

noun
Definitions
  • The entirety of means whereby a specific production is made existent or task accomplished.
  • A complex machine or instrument.
  • An assortment of tools and instruments.
  • A bureaucratic organization, especially one influenced by political patronage.
  • (firefighting) A vehicle used for emergency response.
  • (gymnastics) Any of the equipment on which the gymnasts perform their movements.
  • (video games) A complex, highly modified weapon (typically not a firearm); a weaponized “Rube Goldberg machine.”

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin apparātus (apparatus).

Origin

Latin

apparātus

Gloss

apparatus

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms