Definition of SYSTEM

system

Meanings

Plural: systems

Noun

  • instrumentality that combines interrelated interacting artifacts designed to work as a coherent entity
    • "he bought a new stereo system"
    • "the system consists of a motor and a small computer"
  • a group of independent but interrelated elements comprising a unified whole
    • "a vast system of production and distribution and consumption keep the country going"
  • (physical chemistry) a sample of matter in which substances in different phases are in equilibrium
    • "in a static system oil cannot be replaced by water on a surface"
    • "a system generating hydrogen peroxide"
  • a complex of methods or rules governing behavior
    • "they have to operate under a system they oppose"
    • "that language has a complex system for indicating gender"
  • an organized structure for arranging or classifying
    • "he tried to understand their system of classification"
  • a group of physiologically or anatomically related organs or parts
    • "the body has a system of organs for digestion"
  • a procedure or process for obtaining an objective
    • "they had to devise a system that did not depend on cooperation"
  • the living body considered as made up of interdependent components forming a unified whole
    • "exercise helped him get the alcohol out of his system"
  • an ordered manner; orderliness by virtue of being methodical and well organized
    • "we can't do it unless we establish some system around here"
  • A group or set of related things that operate together as a complex whole.
  • A set of hardware and software operating in a computer.
  • A group or set of related things that operate together as a complex whole.
  • A set of equations involving the same variables, which are to be solved simultaneously.
  • A group or set of related things that operate together as a complex whole.
  • A set of staves linked by a brace that indicate instruments or sounds that are to be played simultaneously.
  • A group or set of related things that operate together as a complex whole.
  • A set of body organs having a particular function.
  • A group or set of related things that operate together as a complex whole.
  • A set of alters of a person, or the multiple (“an individual with multiple personalities”) who contains them.
  • A group or set of related things that operate together as a complex whole.
  • A system in which two or more objects are bound to each other by gravity.
  • A group or set of related things that operate together as a complex whole.
  • A comprehensive and logically organized set of propositions or philosophical beliefs.
  • A group or set of related things that operate together as a complex whole.
  • Preceded by the word the: the mainstream culture, controlled by the elites or government of a state, or a combination of them, seen as oppressive to the individual.
  • A group or set of related things that operate together as a complex whole.
  • A set of rules for a tabletop roleplaying game.
  • A group or set of related things that operate together as a complex whole.
  • A socioeconomic formation.
  • A group or set of related things that operate together as a complex whole.
  • A method or way of organizing or planning.

Origin / Etymology

Partly borrowed from Middle French sisteme, systeme, partly directly from its etymon Late Latin systēma (“harmony; musical scale; set of celestial objects; set of troops; system”), from Ancient Greek σύστημα (sústēma, “musical scale; organized body; whole made of several parts or members”), from σῠνίστημῐ (sŭnístēmĭ, “to combine, organize”) + -μᾰ (-mă, resultative suffix). σῠνίστημῐ is from σῠν- (sŭn-, “with, together”) + ἵστημι (hístēmi, “to stand”), from Proto-Indo-European *steh₂- (“to stand (up)”).
Cognate with Dutch systeem, modern French système, German System, Italian sistema, Portuguese sistema, Spanish sistema. Doublet of systema.

Synonyms

arrangement, complex, composition, multiple, organisation, organization, plural system, scheme, set up, structure, system of rules

Scrabble Score: 11

system is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
system is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
system is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 11

system is a valid Words With Friends word