Words / B2

ap-uh-RAYT-uh-s/ˌæpəˈreɪtəs/

Apparatus is equipment designed for a particular purpose, often in a lab, gym, or official system: laboratory apparatus, the apparatus of government (the machinery of the state). Equipment is the everyday cover-all; gear is informal. The word is slightly formal and often uncountable in the lab sense. In speech, the equipment is enough. Do not use it for a single household gadget (that is an appliance).

Meaning

Equipment designed for a particular purpose.

Examples

• “The laboratory apparatus was expensive.”
• “The science block replaced the old gas apparatus last summer.”
• “Critics said the legal apparatus was too slow to protect tenants.”

Good to know

Special equipment, or the machinery of a system. Everyday: equipment. Formal. Contrast: appliance = household machine.

Near in meaning

equipment

New