system

[sis-tuh m] /ˈsɪs təm/
noun
1.
an assemblage or combination of things or parts forming a complex or unitary whole:
a mountain system; a railroad system.
2.
any assemblage or set of correlated members:
a system of currency; a system of shorthand characters.
3.
an ordered and comprehensive assemblage of facts, principles, doctrines, or the like in a particular field of knowledge or thought:
a system of philosophy.
4.
a coordinated body of methods or a scheme or plan of procedure; organizational scheme:
a system of government.
5.
any formulated, regular, or special method or plan of procedure:
a system of marking, numbering, or measuring; a winning system at bridge.
6.
due method or orderly manner of arrangement or procedure:
There is no system in his work.
7.
the world or universe.
8.
Astronomy.
  1. a number of heavenly bodies associated and acting together according to certain natural laws:
    the solar system.
  2. a hypothesis or theory of the disposition and arrangements of the heavenly bodies by which their phenomena, motions, changes, etc., are explained:
    the Ptolemaic system; the Copernican system.
9.
Biology.
  1. an assemblage of organs or related tissues concerned with the same function:
    the nervous system; the digestive system.
  2. the entire human or animal body considered as a functioning unit:
    an ingredient toxic to the system.
10.
one's psychological makeup, especially with reference to desires or preoccupations:
to get something out of one's system.
11.
a method or scheme of classification:
the Linnean system of plants.
12.
(sometimes initial capital letter) the prevailing structure or organization of society, business, or politics or of society in general; establishment (usually preceded by the):
to work within the system instead of trying to change it.
13.
Geology. a major division of rocks comprising sedimentary deposits and igneous masses formed during a single geologic period.
14.
Physical Chemistry. a combination of two or more phases, as a binary system, each of which consists of one or more substances, that is attaining or is in equilibrium.
15.
Computers. a working combination of hardware, software, and data communications devices.
16.
Checkers. either of the two groups of 16 playing squares on four alternate columns.
Origin
1610-20; < Late Latin systēma < Greek sýstēma whole compounded of several parts, equivalent to sy- sy- + stē- (variant stem of histánai to cause to stand; akin to Latin stāre to stand) + -ma noun suffix denoting result of action
Related forms
systemless, adjective
intersystem, adjective
supersystem, noun
Synonyms
1. organization. 7. cosmos. 9b. organism.
Examples from the web for systems
  • These biscotti are crumbly delivery systems for chewy apricot bits, hunks of dark chocolate, and crunchy almonds.
  • Install one of the systems shown here before planting.
  • The cabin's mechanical systems are in the garage, which keeps the main living quarters tranquil.
  • The historic interior and exterior need tending once again, to modernize utility systems and shore up walls and roofs.
  • Each of the systems was based on different anatomical points, and some of these were not particularly informative.
  • Generate energy with solar panels, wind turbines or geothermal systems-or all three.
  • Their immune systems were not allowed to develop via the human medications they are given.
  • It was several decades before scientists thought of designing systems that could work anywhere.
  • It was equipped with digital systems that unerringly corrected for pilot error as well as any buffeting caused by bad weather.
  • High pressure systems are steered by upper-level winds much the same way low pressure systems are steered.
British Dictionary definitions for systems

system

/ˈsɪstəm/
noun
1.
a group or combination of interrelated, interdependent, or interacting elements forming a collective entity; a methodical or coordinated assemblage of parts, facts, concepts, etc: a system of currency, the Copernican system
2.
any scheme of classification or arrangement: a chronological system
3.
a network of communications, transportation, or distribution
4.
a method or complex of methods: he has a perfect system at roulette
5.
orderliness; an ordered manner
6.
(often capital) the system, society seen as an environment exploiting, restricting, and repressing individuals
7.
an organism considered as a functioning entity
8.
any of various bodily parts or structures that are anatomically or physiologically related: the digestive system
9.
one's physiological or psychological constitution: get it out of your system
10.
any assembly of electronic, electrical, or mechanical components with interdependent functions, usually forming a self-contained unit: a brake system
11.
a group of celestial bodies that are associated as a result of natural laws, esp gravitational attraction: the solar system
12.
(chem) a sample of matter in which there are one or more substances in one or more phases See also phase rule
13.
a point of view or doctrine used to interpret a branch of knowledge
14.
(mineralogy) one of a group of divisions into which crystals may be placed on the basis of the lengths and inclinations of their axes Also called crystal system
15.
(geology) a stratigraphical unit for the rock strata formed during a period of geological time. It can be subdivided into series
Derived Forms
systemless, adjective
Word Origin
C17: from French système, from Late Latin systēma, from Greek sustēma, from syn- + histanai to cause to stand
Word Origin and History for systems

system

n.

1610s, "the whole creation, the universe," from Late Latin systema "an arrangement, system," from Greek systema "organized whole, body," from syn- "together" (see syn-) + root of histanai "cause to stand" from PIE root *sta- "to stand" (see stet). Meaning "set of correlated principles, facts, ideas, etc." first recorded 1630s. Meaning "animal body as an organized whole, sum of the vital processes in an organism" is recorded from 1680s; hence figurative phrase to get (something) out of one's system (1900). Computer sense of "group of related programs" is recorded from 1963. All systems go (1962) is from U.S. space program.

systems in Medicine

system sys·tem (sĭs'təm)
n.

  1. A group of interacting, interrelated, or interdependent elements forming a complex whole.

  2. An organism or body considered as a whole, especially with regard to its vital processes or functions.

  3. A group of physiologically or anatomically complementary organs or parts.

systems in Culture

system definition


A group of bodily organs that have similar structures or work together to perform some function, such as the digestive system, nervous system, and respiratory system.

Slang definitions & phrases for systems

system

Related Terms

old boy network


Idioms and Phrases with systems

system

see: