apparatus
/ˌæp.əˈɹeɪ.təs/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: apparatuses · apparatusses · apparati
Sense 1
Meaning · English
The entirety of means whereby a specific production is made existent or task accomplished.
Noun
Examples
These television stations are part of the apparatus and power of Milosevic. This is the apparatus he has used to do the ethnic cleansing in Kosovo. It is the apparatus that keeps him in power and we are entirely justified as Nato allies in damaging and taking on those targets.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
A complex machine or instrument.
Noun
Examples
“I have met my young photographer,” said De Stancy, cheerily. “What a small world it is, as every busybody truly observes! I am wishing he could take some views for us as we go on; but you have no apparatus with you, I suppose, Mr. Dare?”
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “apparatus” mean?
The entirety of means whereby a specific production is made existent or task accomplished.
Is “apparatus” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.