apparatus
UK[ˌæpəˈreɪtəs]US[ˌæpəˈrætəs]
n
the technical equipment or machinery needed for a particular activity or purpose.
n
a complex structure within an organization or system.
Etymology
the word 'apparatus' entered english in the early 17th century directly from latin, where 'apparatus' meant "preparation, equipment, or paraphernalia." it is the past participle of the verb 'apparare,' meaning "to make ready" (ad- 'to' + parare 'make ready'). the core semantic journey is from the literal sense of "things made ready" to the modern abstract meanings of "equipment for a task" or "the organized system for doing something." this reflects a shift from the action of preparing to the complex tools or structure that result from that preparation.
Analysis
this word is a direct loanword from latin and is not productively segmented using english spelling morphemes.
Examples
the laboratory is equipped with the latest scientific apparatus.
the country's security apparatus was put on high alert.
she explained the apparatus of government to the students.