Etymology Map
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Apparatus

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means equipment for a purpose

Where does the word "apparatus" come from? It comes from Latin apparatus, adopted directly into English (1620s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
apparatus
Latin · ancient
"preparation"
from 'apparare', to prepare
2
Stage 2 of 2
apparatus
English · 1620s
"equipment"
'state apparatus' dates from the 1900s
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Read the full story

Apparatus’s story begins in Latin: apparatus meant “preparation.” From 'apparare', to prepare. It reached English by 1620s as apparatus. 'state apparatus' dates from the 1900s. Today, apparatus means equipment for a purpose.