apparatus noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced American Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com

Definition of apparatus noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

     

    apparatus

     noun
    noun
    NAmE//ˌæpəˈræt̮əs//
     
    , NAmE//ˌæpəˈreɪt̮əs//
     
    (pl. apparatuses) (formal)
     
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  1. 1[uncountable] the tools or other pieces of equipment that are needed for a particular activity or task a piece of laboratory apparatus Firefighters needed breathing apparatus to enter the burning house. Thesaurusequipment
    • material
    • gear
    • kit
    • apparatus
    These are all words for the things that you need for a particular purpose or activity.
    • equipment the things that are needed for a particular purpose or activity:camping equipment a piece of laboratory/medical equipment
    • material things that are needed for a particular activity:household cleaning materials teaching material
    equipment or material?
    • Equipment is usually solid things, especially large ones. Materials may be liquids, powders, or books, CDs, etc. containing information, as well as small solid items.
    • gear the equipment or clothes needed for a particular activity:Camping gear can be expensive.
    • kit a set of tools or equipment that you use for a particular purpose:a first-aid kit a sewing kit
    • apparatus (formal) the tools or other pieces of equipment that are needed for a particular activity or task:breathing apparatus for firefighters laboratory apparatus Apparatus is used especially for scientific, medical, or technical purposes.
    Patterns
    • electrical/electronic equipment/gear/apparatus
    • sports equipment/gear
    • camping equipment/gear
    • a piece of equipment/apparatus
  2. 2[countable, usually singular] the structure of a system or an organization, particularly that of a political party or a government the power of the state apparatus
  3. 3[countable, usually singular] (technology) a system of organs in the body the sensory apparatus
See apparatus in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary