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

Thermal variations applied directly to the tongue can stimulate taste sensations but require a complicated system incorporating a cooling subsystem and temperature sensors, among other components. —Ars Technica, 26 Nov. 2024

Whereas, the NewCo intends to focus on capitalizing on secular growth trends in areas like test & measurement, specialty sensors and aerospace & defence subsystems. —Joe Cornell, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024

Voyager 2’s magnetic field and plasma wave equipment will also continue operating for the foreseeable future, while its cosmic ray subsystem will be retired in 2026. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 5 Mar. 2025

The armor of a defense platform used to be the primary consideration, with the other subsystems being more of an afterthought. —Steve Tengler, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for subsystem

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