apparatus

Everyday

1. The equipment, tools or machines used for a particular job, especially in science experiments: set up the apparatus. tree →
2. (PE, UK) Gym equipment such as benches, ropes, bars and climbing frames. tree →
3. A system or organisation of parts working together (formal): the body's breathing apparatus. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons pupils draw and set up apparatus such as beakers, test tubes and Bunsen burners and list it in method writing. In PE pupils "get the apparatus out". Firefighters use breathing apparatus. Phrases: set up the apparatus, breathing apparatus, gym apparatus, list the apparatus.

Examples

• Set up the apparatus as shown in the diagram. tree →
• We need a beaker, a thermometer and a stand for this apparatus. tree →
• In PE we climbed on the apparatus. tree →
• Firefighters wear breathing apparatus in smoky buildings. tree →
• Put the apparatus away carefully after the experiment. tree →
• (formal) The apparatus was subsequently cleaned and stored. tree →
• Here was all the apparatus necessary to carry on a tannery, and it belonged to the widow. tree →

Note

Usually uncountable: "the apparatus is", "a piece of apparatus". Plural apparatuses exists but is rare. Say ap-uh-RAY-tus. In science write-ups, "apparatus" is the list of equipment.