Definition

Noun: 1. A set of equipment or tools designed for a specific purpose or task: This refers to the physical instruments, machines, or devices needed to perform a particular function, especially in scientific, technical, or specialized work. 2. A complex structure or system within an organization or a living body: This refers to an interconnected network of parts working together, such as the administrative structure of an institution or a group of organs in a body.

Examples of Usage

• As equipment:
  • The laboratory apparatus for the chemistry experiment included beakers, Bunsen burners, and test tubes.
  • The firefighters quickly assembled their breathing apparatus before entering the smoke-filled building.
  • The gym has a full range of modern exercise apparatus.
• As a system or structure:
  • The state's security apparatus was mobilized to ensure safety during the event.
  • The novel provides a sharp critique of the government's bureaucratic apparatus.
  • In biology, the Golgi apparatus is a cellular organelle involved in modifying and packaging proteins.

Advanced Usage

• "The apparatus of state/government": This phrase refers to the entire system of institutions, officials, and administrative machinery through which a government operates and maintains control.
  • The revolution aimed to dismantle the old state apparatus and build a new one.
• "Ideological apparatus": A concept in sociology and political theory (often "Ideological State Apparatus") referring to institutions like schools, media, and churches that shape societal beliefs and values.
  • The film examines how the media functions as an ideological apparatus.

Variants and Related Words

• Apparatuses (n): The standard plural form of "apparatus."
  • The warehouse stored various scientific apparatuses.
• Apparati (n): A less common, sometimes hypercorrect plural form, typically used in academic or formal contexts, especially when referring to systems.
  • The political scientist studied the different bureaucratic apparati of several nations.

Synonyms

• Equipment: The necessary items for a particular purpose. (More general)
• Gear: Equipment or apparatus, often for a specific activity. (More informal)
• Instrument: A tool or device, especially for precise scientific work.
• Mechanism: A system of parts working together.
• Machinery: Machines collectively or the components of a system.

Related Phrases

• "Apparatus criticus" (n): A scholarly term for the critical material (notes, variant readings, commentary) accompanying a text, especially a classical or historical edition.
  • The new translation includes a comprehensive apparatus criticus.

Noun

1. (anatomy) a group of body parts that work together to perform a given function
   • the breathing apparatus
2. equipment designed to serve a specific function