equipment
Meaning
the set of necessary tools, clothing, or machinery for a particular purpose.
the process of supplying someone or something with such necessary items.
Structure
Usage
the laboratory purchased new equipment for the research project.
proper safety equipment is essential for construction workers.
the camping equipment was packed neatly into the car.
Etymology
the word 'equipment' originates from the old french verb 'equiper', meaning to fit out or furnish, which itself likely derives from a germanic source related to old norse 'skipa' (to arrange, man a ship). the core concept is one of preparation and provisioning. the suffix '-ment', of latin origin, was productively added to verbs in french and english to form nouns indicating the means or result of an action. thus, 'equipment' literally means the state or means of being fitted out, evolving to denote the collective items used for a specific task or activity.
Analysis
equip (from old french 'equiper', meaning to fit out, of germanic origin) + ment (from latin '-mentum', a suffix forming nouns denoting an instrument, medium, or result of an action).