ap·pa·ra·tus 
/ˌæpəˈrætəs/ noun
plural apparatus·es or apparatus /ˌæpəˈrætəs/ noun 1 : a tool or piece of equipment used for specific activities [count] ▪ She fell off a gymnastics apparatus and broke her leg. ▪ an electrical apparatus [noncount] ▪ an expensive piece of apparatus [=machinery] 2 [count] : the organization or system used for doing or operating something — usually singular ▪ The country lacks a strong state/government apparatus. [=a strong government] ▪ The party apparatus [=machinery] supported his ideas.
