subsystem
noun
sub·sys·tem
ˈsəb-ˌsi-stəm 
variants
or less commonly sub-system
plural subsystems also sub-systems
: a system that is part of a larger system
These subsystems of the climate system include the atmosphere, the oceans (both upper and deep oceans), the sea ice, the ice sheets, the land surface, and the biota.—
Stephen H. Schneider
Stephen H. SchneiderVoyager 2 was the troublesome twin. Even before launch, failures in its onboard computer subsystems had to be rectified. The problems continued after liftoff as the attitude-control subsystem behaved in an unexpected fashion.—William I. McLaughlin
William I. McLaughlinExamples of subsystem in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This methodology allows the power system to adapt in real time, which improves energy coupling efficiency and prevents potential damage to reactor subsystems caused by load instability.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 15 Jan. 2026
That batch of data included operational procedures, spacecraft and mission details, subsystems documentation, and proprietary contractor data from ESA partners including SpaceX, Airbus Group, and Thales Alenia Space, according to The Register.
—Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 15 Jan. 2026
These measures reflect the company’s understanding that e-bikes combine mechanical and electrical subsystems that require clear documentation and support resources.
—New Atlas, 1 Dec. 2025
Instead, engineers moved software code from the chip into a different part of the subsystem's memory system.
—George Petras, USA Today, 25 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subsystem
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Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 15 Jan. 2026
That batch of data included operational procedures, spacecraft and mission details, subsystems documentation, and proprietary contractor data from ESA partners including SpaceX, Airbus Group, and Thales Alenia Space, according to The Register.
—Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 15 Jan. 2026
These measures reflect the company’s understanding that e-bikes combine mechanical and electrical subsystems that require clear documentation and support resources.
—New Atlas, 1 Dec. 2025
Instead, engineers moved software code from the chip into a different part of the subsystem's memory system.
—George Petras, USA Today, 25 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subsystem
Cite this Entry
“Subsystem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subsystem. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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