system
noun
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Definition of system
1 : a regularly interacting or interdependent group of items forming a unified whole a number system : such as
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
3a : 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 sense 2 —usually used with the
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Other Words from system
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adjective
Synonyms for system
Synonyms
arrangement, blueprint, design, game, game plan, ground plan, master plan, plan, program, project, road map, scheme, strategy
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Examples of system in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In response to possible ways of protecting students during an incident of gun violence, one Ohio Valley school district has announced plans to equip their school buildings with a high-tech pepper spray system. — Lauren Rearick, Teen Vogue, "Ohio School District to Install Pepper Spray “Threat Extinguisher” System," 13 July 2018 Confronting the unique complexity of health care demands an insider’s familiarity with the system and an outsider’s willingness to break it. — Alexi Nazem, STAT, "Health care needs more physician CEOs like Atul Gawande," 13 July 2018 Lilis also signed on with the Salt Creek Midstream system under construction to process the oil and funnel it to the main pipeline arteries such as EPIC. — Jordan Blum, San Antonio Express-News, "Lilis may be an acquisition target," 13 July 2018 Rides were temporarily shut down Thursday evening because of problems with the cooling system. — Gabrielle Russon, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Disney: Rides at Hollywood Studios working again," 13 July 2018 O’Donnell’s four-page complaint is posted on the Harford County Public Schools website, along with responses by Patrick Spicer, general counsel for the school system, and the state compliance board’s opinion. — David Anderson, The Aegis, "Harford school board takes 'corrective action' after violating open meetings law," 13 July 2018 Toyota said the Eco mode reduces overall energy consumption by adjusting the climate control system and throttle to maximize efficiency. — G. Chambers Williams Iii, Houston Chronicle, "COMPACT," 13 July 2018 That Atlanta attack brought the court system and the Atlanta Police Department to its knees. — Brooke Crothers, Fox News, "Access to airport security systems are being sold by hackers for as little as $10," 13 July 2018 By the end of May, Puerto Rico plans to equip all hospitals, urgent care centers, fire stations and police stations with radio systems, Mr. Acevedo said. — Frances Robles, New York Times, "FEMA Was Sorely Unprepared for Puerto Rico Hurricane, Report Says," 12 July 2018These 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.
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More Definitions for system
system
noun
English Language Learners Definition of system
: a group of related parts that move or work together
: a body of a person or animal thought of as an entire group of parts that work together
: a group of organs that work together to perform an important function of the body
See the full definition for system in the English Language Learners Dictionary
system
noun
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Kids Definition of system
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.
system
noun
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Medical 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 system
b : the body considered as a functional unit
2 : a manner of classifying, symbolizing, or schematizing a taxonomic system
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