Apparatus
/ˌæpəˈreɪtəs/
nounIntermediateCommonGeneral
Meaning
Question
Definitions
1
A complex instrument or set of instruments.
/ˌæpəˈreɪtəs/
nounneutralIntermediate
General
A collection of instruments or equipment used for a specific purpose.
The laboratory's apparatus was state-of-the-art.
💡 Simply: A tool or set of tools used for a job.
More Examples
2
The photographer carried a complex apparatus to capture the images.
How It's Used
Scientific
"The scientist carefully assembled the apparatus for the experiment."
Medical
"The hospital purchased new surgical apparatus."
From Latin *apparātus*, meaning 'preparation, equipment'.
Historically, the word has often been associated with scientific instruments, though it can be used more broadly for any complex assembly of tools.
Memory tip
Think of 'apparel' – apparatus is like a collection of 'prepared' items for a specific task.
Practice
apparatisapparratusaparatatus
Usage
10%Spoken
90%Written