Apparatus
/ˌæp.əˈreɪ.təs/noun
A set of equipment, tools, or machinery designed for a particular purpose.
Did you know?In Latin, apparatus originally meant “preparation” or “equipment” before English narrowed it toward the physical instruments used to perform a task.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*per- / *pere-
“A proposed ancestral root associated with bringing forth, procuring, or obtaining; the exact derivation is debated.”
Classical Latin
Latin
parāre
“To prepare, arrange, procure, or make ready.”
Classical Latin
Latin
apparāre
“To prepare or equip, formed with ad- meaning “toward” plus parāre.”
Classical Latin
Latin
apparātus
“Preparation, equipment, furnishings, or an elaborate arrangement.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
apparatus
“Equipment or an organized set of materials and instruments.”
17th Century
English
apparatus
“A set of tools or instruments used for a particular purpose.”
Modern English
English
apparatus
“Equipment, machinery, or an organized system used to carry out an activity.”