Definition of system
1 : a regularly interacting or interdependent group of items forming a unified whole a number system: such asa (1) : a group of interacting bodies under the influence of related forces a gravitational system (2) : an assemblage of substances that is in or tends to equilibrium a thermodynamic systemb (1) : a group of body organs that together perform one or more vital functions the digestive system (2) : the body considered as a functional unitc : a group of related natural objects or forces a river systemd : a group of devices or artificial objects or an organization forming a network especially for distributing something or serving a common purpose a telephone system a heating system a highway system a computer systeme : a major division of rocks usually larger than a series and including all formed during a period or eraf : a form of social, economic, or political organization or practice the capitalist system
2 : an organized set of doctrines, ideas, or principles usually intended to explain the arrangement or working of a systematic whole the Newtonian system of mechanics
3a : an organized or established procedure the touch system of typingb : a manner of classifying, symbolizing, or schematizing a taxonomic system the decimal system
4 : harmonious arrangement or pattern : order bring system out of confusion — Ellen Glasgow
5 : an organized society or social situation regarded as stultifying or oppressive : establishment 2 —usually used with the
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Examples of system in a Sentence
The players like the coach's system.
Under the new system, students will have to pass an exam to graduate.
She devised a new filing system.
We need a better system for handling incoming e-mail.
Recent Examples of system from the Web
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All About the Message wants the F.C.C. to rule that its voice mail messages are not calls, and therefore can be delivered by automatic telephone dialing systems using an artificial or prerecorded voice.
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Plaintiffs say that predominantly white Gardendale shouldn't be allowed to form its own school system.
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Putin openly supported two of Macron’s rivals, Republican Francois Fillon and then Marine Le Pen, and Macron’s team accused the Russian government of involvement in a series of cyber attacks on their systems.
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The stream of data being thrown off by the hot spots and into Mojio’s systems — built on Microsoft’s Azure — pushed them to the breaking point.
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Brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumors are the third-most common cancers among adolescents and young adults, ages 15-39, according to the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA).
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The candidates were chosen last fall through the village's caucus system, and ran unopposed in the April 4, election.
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The multiplexer-demultiplexer (MDM) is one of two redundant data relay boxes used to control the solar array systems, radiators, cooling loops, and other hardware aboard the station.
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So eventually, [Kim Jong Un] will have a better delivery system.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'system'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of system
Late Latin systemat-, systema, from Greek systēmat-, systēma, from synistanai to combine, from syn- + histanai to cause to stand — more at stand
Synonym Discussion of system
SYSTEM Defined for English Language Learners
system
playDefinition of system for English Language Learners
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: a group of related parts that move or work together
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: a body of a person or animal thought of as an entire group of parts that work together
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: a group of organs that work together to perform an important function of the body
SYSTEM Defined for Kids
system
playDefinition of system for Students
1 : a group of parts combined to form a whole that works or moves as a unit a heating system A system of ropes and pulleys carried the baskets of stone … up to the ramparts. — Brian Jacques, Redwall
2 : a body that functions as a whole The disease weakened his entire system.
3 : a group of organs that together perform an important function in the body the nervous system
4 : an orderly way of managing, controlling, organizing, or doing something a democratic system of government Dad has a system for planting a garden.
Medical Dictionary
system
playMedical Definition of system
1a: a group of body organs or structures that together perform one or more vital functions—see circulatory system, digestive system, endocrine system, limbic system, nervous system, reproductive system, respiratory systemb: the body considered as a functional unit
2: a manner of classifying, symbolizing, or schematizing a taxonomic system
Learn More about system
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for system Spanish Central: Translation of system Nglish: Translation of system for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of system for Arabic speakers
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