Definition of system
1
: a regularly interacting or interdependent group of items forming a unified whole
- a number system
a (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 system
b (1)
: a group of body organs that together perform one or more vital functions
- the digestive system
(2)
: the body considered as a functional unit
c
: a group of related natural objects or forces
- a river system
d
: 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 system
e
: a major division of rocks usually larger than a series and including all formed during a period or era
f
: 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
3 a
: an organized or established procedure
- the touch system of typing
b
: 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
