The terms apparatus and system are two different words that are often used interchangeably on countless occasions because people associate and use them incorrectly.
To begin with, both the word apparatus and system have unequal meanings and characteristics , so it is necessary to state what their main differences are and how they should be used correctly.
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Etymology and meaning
The first major difference between apparatus and system has to do with their etymology.
Apparatus is a word that derives from the Latin apparātus , and can be used correctly in various areas, so it can sometimes be confusing.
However, its main meaning refers to a set of organized elements that have a specific function .
When a device is mentioned, it can be both electronic and social, political or economic. This will depend on the type of device in question.
Devices that work through electrical energy are also called apparatus. For example, a kitchen utensil, a dishwasher, among others.
System , for its part, derives from the Latin systēma , and means “set” or “meeting”. Therefore, the set of rules or elements that are related to each other for the same function is called a system .
A system is also understood to be the set of things that are related according to the same objective.
Synonyms of apparatus and system
Some synonyms that can be used to substitute or indicate the word apparatus are: machine, instrument, utensil, device or mechanism.
As a synonym for the word system , the following can be used: method, procedure, technique, organization, structure, among others.
By the elements they gather
A device is made up of a set of elements that have a specific function and objective. However, an apparatus can be quite complex when it is composed of more than two systems.
As for a system , it can be made up of various elements related to each other and with the same objective as in the case of a mathematical equation, a musical composition or in human anatomy when mention is made of a set of tissues that are part of a system.
Regarding its function
The devices can be made up of various systems, therefore, sometimes the devices fulfill a large set of specific functions that together complete an activity or objective.
Consequently, the devices can group various systems that are related according to their function and for the same purpose.
The systems , for their part, comply with stipulated norms or rules that contain the same purpose or objective and that must be carried out through a process.
Consequently, the systems can be part of an apparatus or simply work together with other systems, but each with a specific purpose. The systems are not made up of other minor systems.
According to the techniques used
The devices are made up of a set of systems that perform a series of tasks that are those that make a piece of equipment or electronic device work, such as a mobile phone.
In this case, the mobile phone is a device that has several functions thanks to the various audio, video, telephony, storage systems, among others, that it has.
For their part, the systems are developed in order to carry out a specific task following a predetermined order and rules.
For example, computers are made up of various systems which allow the user to edit images, content, generate files, among others.
Purpose of the device and the system
The devices have a greater purpose thanks to the fact that they are composed of different systems that, together, are arranged to achieve the same objective and fulfill a function.
However, the purpose of the systems varies depending on how they are generated and their structures. However, its objectives are less than those of a device but no less important or necessary.
If we refer to the systems that living beings possess, we would be referring to a set of complex systems whose purposes are extremely important for the proper functioning of the systems around them and other devices, such as the digestive system.
Now, if we refer to computerized systems, these will vary in terms of their function depending on their usefulness and need in the areas where they must be applied.
