IPA: /əˈpærətəs/
KK: /əˈpærətəs/
A set of equipment or devices used for a specific purpose, often in scientific or technical contexts.
The laboratory was filled with various types of apparatus for conducting experiments.
Apparatus is derived from the Latin 'apparatus' (meaning preparation or equipment), which comes from 'apparare' (meaning to prepare or make ready). The word refers to a set of equipment or machinery designed for a specific purpose, emphasizing the idea of being prepared for a task.
Think of 'preparing' ('apparare') equipment or tools for a specific task — that's what an apparatus is.
No commonly confused words.