system
Other forms: systems
A system is a group of things that connect and form some kind of coherent whole. All the individual buses and the separate routes they take through your city are together called a bus system.
Any time various separate things act together in some organized way, you can call the entire group of interconnected things a system. Your veins, arteries, and heart together make up your body's circulatory system, and the group of planets which rotate around the sun are called a solar system. The Greek word systema, or "organized whole," is where system originates.
Definitions of system
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a group of independent but interrelated elements comprising a unified whole“a vast system of production and distribution and consumption keep the country going”synonyms: schemetypes:language systema system of linguistic units or elements used in a particular languagejudicatory, judicature, judicial system, judiciarythe system of law courts that administer justice and constitute the judicial branch of governmentecosystema system formed by the interaction of a community of organisms with their physical environmentsocial organisation, social organization, social structure, social system, structurethe people in a society considered as a system organized by a characteristic pattern of relationshipsdragneta system of coordinated measures for apprehending (criminals or other individuals)machinerya system of means and activities whereby a social institution functionsnonlinear systema system whose performance cannot be described by equations of the first degreesubsystema system that is part of some larger systemorganisma system considered analogous in structure or function to a living bodysyntaxa systematic orderly arrangementbodya collection of particulars considered as a systemshebangan entire system; used in the phrase `the whole shebang'solar systemthe sun with the celestial bodies that revolve around it in its gravitational fieldwater systema river and all of its tributariesmonolitha system or organized structure that is large, uniform, and powerfulmediasystems of mass communications (including publishing, broadcast news, and the internet) considered collectivelyreticulumany fine network (especially one in the body composed of cells or blood vessels)morphophonemic systemthe morphophonemics of a particular languagephonemic systemthe system of phonemes recognized in a languagesyllabicitythe pattern of syllable formation in a particular languagetense systema system of tenses used in a particular languagefeudal system, feudalismthe social system that developed in Europe in the 8th century; vassals were protected by lords who they had to serve in warpatriarchate, patriarchya form of social organization in which a male is the family head and title is traced through the male linematriarchate, matriarchya form of social organization in which a female is the family head and title is traced through the female linemeritocracya form of social system in which power goes to those with superior intellectsFederal Judiciarythe judiciary of the United States which is responsible for interpreting and enforcing federal lawsindustrialisman economic system built on large industries rather than on agriculture or craftsmanshipfree enterprise, free market, laissez-faire economy, market economy, private enterprisean economy that relies chiefly on market forces to allocate goods and resources and to determine pricesmixed economyan economic system that combines private and state enterprisesnon-market economyan economy that is not a market economystate capitalisman economic system that is primarily capitalistic but there is some degree of government ownership of the means of productionstate socialisman economic system in which the government owns most means of production but some degree of private capitalism is allowedpluralisma social organization in which diversity of racial or religious or ethnic or cultural groups is toleratedclass structurethe organization of classes within a societyespionage networka network of spiesold boy networkan exclusive informal network linking members of a social class or profession or organization in order to provide connections and information and favors (especially in business or politics)support systema network of facilities and people who interact and remain in informal communication for mutual assistance; a network that enables you to live in a certain stylepastoralisma social and economic system based on raising and herding livestock
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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”types:communication systema system for communicatingADP system, ADPS, automatic data processing system, computer system, computing systema system of one or more computers and associated software with common storagecontainment(physics) a system designed to prevent the accidental release of radioactive material from a reactorcontrol systema system for controlling the operation of another systemdata system, information systemsystem consisting of the network of all communication channels used within an organizationdrainage systema system of watercourses or drains for carrying off excess waterexhaust, exhaust systemsystem consisting of the parts of an engine through which burned gases or steam are dischargedEDS, explosive detection systema rapid automatic system to detect plastic explosives in passengers' luggage using X-ray technology and computers; designed for use in airportsETD, explosive trace detectiona system for screening luggage in airports; an agent passes a swab around or inside luggage and then runs the swab through a machine that can detect trace amounts of explosivesguidance device, guidance systema system of equipment for automatically guiding the path of a vehicle (especially a missile)inertial guidance system, inertial navigation systema system to control a plane or spacecraft; uses inertial forceslockagea system of locks in a canal or waterwaymechanical systema system of elements that interact on mechanical principlesnavigational systema system that provides information useful in determining the position and course of a ship or aircraftelectronic network, network(electronics) a system of interconnected electronic components or circuitsnetworka system of intersecting lines or channelspropulsion systema system that provides a propelling or driving forceresonatorany system that resonatessecurity system(computing) a system that enforces boundaries between computer networksselsyn, synchroa system consisting of a generator and a motor so connected that the motor will assume the same relative position as the generator; the generator and the motor are synchronizedshipboard systema system designed to work as a coherent entity on board a naval shipsolar thermal systema system that converts sunlight into heatsprinkler systema system for extinguishing fires; water from a network of overhead pipes is released through nozzles that open automatically with the rise in temperaturesynchromeshan automotive system for shifting gears in which the gears revolve at the same speed and so shift smoothlyanti-submarine rocketa shipboard system to fire rockets at submarinesbackup systema computer system for making backupsbasic point defense missile systema shipboard missile systemcomputer network(computer science) a network of computersearly warning systema network of radar installations designed to detect enemy missiles or aircraft while there is still time to intercept themfirewall(computing) a security system consisting of a combination of hardware and software that limits the exposure of a computer or computer network to attack from crackers; commonly used on local area networks that are connected to the internetfuel injection, fuel injection systemmechanical system to inject atomized fuel directly into the cylinders of an internal-combustion engine; avoids the need for a carburetorGPS, Global Positioning Systema navigational system involving satellites and computers that can determine the latitude and longitude of a receiver on Earth by computing the time difference for signals from different satellites to reach the receiverground controla communication system for sending continuous radio messages to an airplane pilot who is making a ground-controlled approach to landingintercom, intercommunication systema communication system linking different rooms within a building or ship etcJDAM, Joint Direct Attack Munitiona pinpoint bomb guidance device that can be strapped to a gravity bomb thus converting dumb bombs into smart bombslinkagea mechanical system of rods or springs or pivots that transmits power or motionforce feed, force-feed lubricating system, lubricating system, pressure feed, pressure-feed lubricating systemmechanical system of lubricating internal combustion engines in which a pump forces oil into the engine bearingsnaval tactical data systema shipboard system for collecting and displaying tactical dataomnidirectional radio range, omnidirectional range, omnirangea navigational system consisting of a network of radio beacons that provide aircraft with information about exact position and bearingplatformthe combination of a particular computer and a particular operating systemassembly line, line, production linemechanical system in a factory whereby an article is conveyed through sites at which successive operations are performed on itP.A., P.A. system, PA, PA system, public address systeman electronic amplification system used as a communication system in public areaslink, radio linka two-way radio communication system (usually microwave); part of a more extensive telecommunication networkrecording systemaudio system for recoding soundreproduceran audio system that can reproduce and amplify signals to produce soundreseaua network of fine lines used by astronomers as a reference for measurements on star photographscrosshairs, graticule, reticle, reticulea network of fine lines, dots, cross hairs, or wires in the focal plane of the eyepiece of an optical instrumentreticulationan arrangement resembling a net or networkservo, servomechanism, servosystemcontrol system that converts a small mechanical motion into one requiring much greater power; may include a negative feedback systemship-towed long-range acoustic detection systema shipboard system consisting of an acoustic detection system that is towed behind the shipinformation superhighway, superhighwayan extensive electronic network (such as the internet) used for the rapid transfer of sound and video and graphics in digital formsurface-to-air missile systemthe shipboard system that fires missiles at aircraftsuspension, suspension systema mechanical system of springs or shock absorbers connecting the wheels and axles to the chassis of a wheeled vehicletarget acquisition systema shipboard system for the detection and identification and location of a target with enough detail to permit effective weapon employmenttelecom equipment, telecom system, telecommunication equipment, telecommunication systema communication system for communicating at a distanceventilating system, ventilation, ventilation systema mechanical system in a building that provides fresh airtype of:instrumentality, instrumentationan artifact (or system of artifacts) that is instrumental in accomplishing some end
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the living body considered as made up of interdependent components forming a unified wholetype of:live bodythe body of a living animal or person
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a group of physiologically or anatomically related organs or parts“the body has a system of organs for digestion”types:articulatory systemthe system of joints in the bodydigestive system, gastrointestinal system, systema alimentarium, systema digestoriumthe system that makes food absorbable into the bodyendocrine systemthe system of glands that produce endocrine secretions that help to control bodily metabolic activityimmune systema system (including the thymus and bone marrow and lymphoid tissues) that protects the body from foreign substances and pathogenic organisms by producing the immune responseintegumentary systemthe skin and its appendagesRES, reticuloendothelial systema widely distributed system consisting of all the cells able to ingest bacteria or colloidal particles etc, except for certain white blood cellsMPS, mononuclear phagocyte system, system of macrophagesa widely distributed system of free and fixed macrophages derived from bone marrowmusculoskeletal systemthe system of muscles and tendons and ligaments and bones and joints and associated tissues that move the body and maintain its formnervous system, systema nervosumthe sensory and control apparatus consisting of a network of nerve cellsCNS, central nervous system, systema nervosum centralethe portion of the vertebrate nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cordperipheral nervous system, systema nervosum periphericumthe section of the nervous system lying outside the brain and spinal cordgenital system, reproductive systemorgans and tissues involved in the production and maturation of gametes and in their union and subsequent development as offspringapparatus urogenitalis, genitourinary apparatus, genitourinary system, systema urogenitale, urinary apparatus, urinary system, urogenital apparatus, urogenital systemthe system that includes all organs involved in reproduction and in the formation and voidance of urinerespiratory system, systema respiratoriumthe system for taking in oxygen and giving off carbon dioxide; in terrestrial animals this is accomplished by breathingsensory systemthe body's system of sense organstracta system of body parts that together serve some particular purposevascular systemthe vessels and tissue that carry or circulate fluids such as blood or lymph or sap through the body of an animal or plantframe, skeletal system, skeleton, systema skeletalethe hard structure (bones and cartilages) that provides a frame for the body of an animalwater vascular systemsystem of fluid-filled tubes used by echinoderms in locomotion and feeding and respirationauditory systemthe sensory system for hearingvisual systemthe sensory system for visiondiaphragm, midriff(anatomy) a muscular partition separating the abdominal and thoracic cavities; functions in respirationvestibular apparatus, vestibular systemorgans mediating the labyrinthine sense; concerned with equilibriumportal systemsystem of veins that carry blood from the abdominal organs to the liverlymphatic system, systema lymphaticumthe interconnected system of spaces and vessels between body tissues and organs by which lymph circulates throughout the bodysympathetic nervous systemoriginates in the thoracic regions of the spinal cord; opposes physiological effects of the parasympathetic: reduces digestive secretions; speeds the heart; contracts blood vesselsparasympathetic, parasympathetic nervous systemoriginates in the brain stem and lower part of the spinal cord; opposes physiological effects of the sympathetic nervous system: stimulates digestive secretions; slows the heart; constricts the pupils; dilates blood vesselsurinary tractthe organs and tubes involved in the production and excretion of urinecardiovascular system, circulatory systemthe organs and tissues involved in circulating blood and lymph through the bodyfemale reproductive systemthe reproductive system of femalesmale reproductive systemthe reproductive system of malesendoskeletonthe internal skeleton; bony and cartilaginous structure (especially of vertebrates)exoskeletonthe exterior protective or supporting structure or shell of many animals (especially invertebrates) including bony or horny parts such as nails or scales or hoofstype of:body partany part of an organism such as an organ or extremity
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(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”type of:matterthat which has mass and occupies space
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an ordered manner; orderliness by virtue of being methodical and well organized“we can't do it unless we establish some system around here”synonyms: organisation, organization
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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”synonyms: system of rulestypes:accountinga system that provides quantitative information about financesdisciplinea system of rules of conduct or method of practiceframe, frame of referencea system of assumptions and standards that sanction behavior and give it meaninggambling systema system of rules for placing bets that is believed to lead to winninggovernment(government) the system or form by which a community or other political unit is governedhonor systema system of conduct in which participants are trusted not to take unfair advantage of othersmerit systemthe system of employing and promoting civil servants on the basis of abilitypoint systema system of evaluation based on awarding points according to rulesspoils systemthe system of employing and promoting civil servants who are friends and supporters of the group in powerorganona system of principles for philosophic or scientific investigations; an instrument for acquiring knowledgetheosophya system of belief based on mystical insight into the nature of God and the soulanthroposophya system of beliefs and practices based on the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner; it claims to integrate the practical and psychological in child-centered educationlogicthe system of operations performed by a computer that underlies the machine's representation of logical operationsvocabularythe system of techniques or symbols serving as a means of expression (as in arts or crafts)Aristotelian logicthe syllogistic logic of Aristotle as developed by Boethius in the Middle Agesdefence policy, defence program, defense policy, defense programa program for defending a country against its enemieseducational programa program for providing educationrehabilitation programa program for restoring someone to good healthspace programa technological program intended to explore outer spaceSuperfund, Superfund programthe federal government's program to locate and investigate and clean up the worst uncontrolled and abandoned toxic waste sites nationwide; administered by the Environmental Protection Agencyworks programa program to provide jobs on public works paid for by government fundsCabala, Cabbala, Cabbalah, Kabala, Kabbala, Kabbalah, Qabbala, Qabbalahan esoteric theosophy of rabbinical origin based on the Hebrew scriptures and developed between the 7th and 18th centuriesformal logic, mathematical logic, symbolic logicany logical system that abstracts the form of statements away from their content in order to establish abstract criteria of consistency and validityChristian theologythe teachings of Christian churchesliberation theologya form of Christian theology (developed by South American Roman Catholics) that emphasizes social and political liberation as the anticipation of ultimate salvationnatural theologya theology that holds that knowledge of God can be acquired by human reason without the aid of divine revelationdouble standardan ethical or moral code that applies more strictly to one group than to anotherbalance of international payments, balance of paymentsa system of recording all of a country's economic transactions with the rest of the world over a period of one yearcurrent accountthat part of the balance of payments recording a nation's exports and imports of goods and services and transfer paymentsentitlementa government program that provides benefits to an eligible grouptype of:methoda way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)
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an organized structure for arranging or classifying“he tried to understand their system of classification”synonyms: arrangement, organisation, organizationtypes:classification systema system for classifying thingscontrivancean artificial or unnatural or obviously contrived arrangement of details or parts etc.coordinate system, frame of reference, reference frame, reference systema system that uses coordinates to establish positiondata structure(computer science) the organization of data (and its storage allocations in a computer)distribution, statistical distribution(statistics) an arrangement of values of a variable showing their observed or theoretical frequency of occurrencegenetic mapgraphical representation of the arrangement of genes on a chromosomekinship system(anthropology) the system of social relationships that constitute kinship in a particular culture, including the terminology that is used and the reciprocal obligations that are entailedlatticean arrangement of points or particles or objects in a regular periodic pattern in 2 or 3 dimensionsliving arrangementan arrangement to allow people (or ideas) to coexistontology(computer science) a rigorous and exhaustive organization of some knowledge domain that is usually hierarchical and contains all the relevant entities and their relationscalendara system of timekeeping that defines the beginning and length and divisions of the yearDewey decimal classification, Dewey decimal system, decimal system of classificationa system used by libraries to classify nonfictional publications into subject categories; the subject is indicated by a three-digit numeral and further specification is given by numerals following a decimal point; publications are shelved by numberCartesian coordinate systema coordinate system for which the coordinates of a point are its distances from a set perpendicular lines that intersect at the origin of the systemequidistributiona flat distribution having equal frequencies of occurrenceBravais lattice, crystal lattice, space latticea 3-dimensional geometric arrangement of the atoms or molecules or ions composing a crystalhierarchical data structure, hierarchical structurea structure of data having several levels arranged in a treelike structurehierarchical classification systema classification system where entries are arranged based on some hierarchical structureABO blood group system, ABO group, ABO systema classification system for the antigens of human blood; used in blood transfusion therapy; four groups are A and B and AB and Olayouta plan or design of something that is laid outinertial frame, inertial reference framea coordinate system in which Newton's first law of motion is validspace-time, space-time continuumthe four-dimensional coordinate system (3 dimensions of space and 1 of time) in which physical events are locatedfrequency distributiona distribution of observed frequencies of occurrence of the values of a variablePoisson distributiona theoretical distribution that is a good approximation to the binomial distribution when the probability is small and the number of trials is largesample, sample distribution, samplingitems selected at random from a population and used to test hypotheses about the populationBernoulli distribution, binomial distributiona theoretical distribution of the number of successes in a finite set of independent trials with a constant probability of successlunar calendara calendar based on lunar cycleslunisolar calendara calendar based on both lunar and solar cyclessolar calendara calendar based on solar cyclestype of:structurethe complex composition of knowledge as elements and their combinations
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a procedure or process for obtaining an objective“they had to devise a system that did not depend on cooperation”types:credit systema system for allowing people to purchase things on creditlegal systema system for interpreting and enforcing the lawspricing systema system for setting prices on goods or servicespromotion systema system for advancing participants to higher-status positionsbailthe legal system that allows an accused person to be temporarily released from custody (usually on condition that a sum of money guarantees their appearance at trial)jury systema legal system for determining the facts at issue in a law suitpatent systema legal system for protecting the rights of inventorstax systema legal system for assessing and collecting taxestype of:plan of actiona plan for actively doing something
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