ap·pa·rat·us  (āp'ə-rāt'əs, -rā'təs) 
n.
pl. apparatus or ap·pa·rat·us·es
An appliance or device for a particular purpose: an x-ray apparatus. An integrated group of materials or devices used for a particular purpose: dental apparatus. See Synonyms at equipment. The totality of means by which a designated function is performed or a specific task executed, as in a system of government. A political organization or an underground political movement. Also called apparat.
The totality of means by which a designated function is performed or a specific task executed, as in a system of government. A political organization or an underground political movement. Also called apparat.
Physiology A group or system of organs that collectively perform a specific function or process: the respiratory apparatus; the digestive apparatus. The critical and source material that accompanies an edition of a text.
[Latin apparātus, preparation, from past participle of apparāre, to prepare : ad-, ad- + parāre, to prepare; see perə-1 in Indo-European roots.] |
