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, scheme, strategy
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Examples of system in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The whole idea of this is to instill confidence in voters and the public that the system is secure,’’ Wyman said in an interview. — Geoff Mulvihill, BostonGlobe.com, "No signs Russia targeting elections like 2016, US official says," 14 July 2018 One is that the system will not be able to heal itself from within — true improvement will come only from innovative new entrants driving creative destruction from the outside. — Alexi Nazem, STAT, "Health care needs more physician CEOs like Atul Gawande," 13 July 2018 DeWine argues that calling for a work requirement and incentives for people to be healthy means that the system would be more accountable and sustainable. — James Hohmann, Washington Post, "The Daily 202: GOP candidates caught in a bind on Medicaid," 13 July 2018 The administration has also discussed a limited, test release—a small-scale draw down to ensure the system is ready for a larger one, if that is necessary, according to several people familiar with the matter. — Timothy Puko, WSJ, "U.S. and Allies Consider Possible Oil-Reserve Release," 13 July 2018 The system is broadly, though not entirely, proportional. — The Economist, "America’s electoral system gives the Republicans advantages over Democrats," 12 July 2018 The school system is making several drastic changes to its police force. — Lois K. Solomon, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Schools need more police officers. Here's how one county plans to get them.," 12 July 2018 With an eye toward communist expansion aided by the Soviet Union, the U.S., Canada and 10 other nations decided a system of collective defense was in every members’ best interests. — John Fritze, USA TODAY, "What is NATO and why is Donald Trump slamming it?," 12 July 2018 This could be because the system is harder for older children. — Leah Asmelash, charlotteobserver, "How one woman wants to help foster care youth, and it involves cake," 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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