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.
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
First Known Use: circa 1638
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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