apparatus
ap.pa.ra.tus \.ap-*-'rat-*s, -'ra-t-\ n or apparatus or ap.pa.ra.tus.es [L,
fr. apparatus, pp. of apparare to prepare, fr. ad- + p] pl arare to prepare
- more at PARE 1a: a set of materials or equipment designed for a
particular use 1b: an instrument or appliance designed for a specific
operation 1c: a group of organs having a common function 2: the
functional machinery by means of which a systematized activity is ca rried
out; esp : the organization of a political party or an underground movement