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

Voyager 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

Examples of subsystem in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The shop does wire in an electrical subsystem to lower the voltage for equipment running on 12-V DC power, including the fridge, lights and fans. — New Atlas, 3 Nov. 2026

The announcement does not disclose the precise configuration or specifications of these subsystems, but their role is to help make the laser suitable for operation in demanding field conditions. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026

In part, blame the increasing complexity of modern cars, which have multiple subsystems that need to be controlled. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 3 Nov. 2026

Its interchangeable tool interfaces and modular design will enable us to gradually upgrade its subsystems. — IEEE Spectrum, 19 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for subsystem

• cryptosystem
• ecosystem
• intersystem
• multisystem
• photosystem
• system