system Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. 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
  2. noun a group of independent but interrelated elements comprising a unified whole
    scheme.
    • a vast system of production and distribution and consumption keep the country going
  3. noun (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
  4. noun a complex of methods or rules governing behavior
    system of rules.
    • they have to operate under a system they oppose
    • that language has a complex system for indicating gender
  5. noun an organized structure for arranging or classifying
    organization; organisation; arrangement.
    • he changed the arrangement of the topics
    • the facts were familiar but it was in the organization of them that he was original
    • he tried to understand their system of classification
  6. noun a group of physiologically or anatomically related organs or parts
    • the body has a system of organs for digestion
  7. noun a procedure or process for obtaining an objective
    • they had to devise a system that did not depend on cooperation
  8. noun the living body considered as made up of interdependent components forming a unified whole
    • exercise helped him get the alcohol out of his system
  9. noun an ordered manner; orderliness by virtue of being methodical and well organized
    organization; organisation.
    • his compulsive organization was not an endearing quality
    • we can't do it unless we establish some system around here

WordNet

Sys"tem noun
Etymology
L. systema, Gr. , fr. to place together; with + to place: cf. F. système. See Stand.
Definitions
  1. An assemblage of objects arranged in regular subordination, or after some distinct method, usually logical or scientific; a complete whole of objects related by some common law, principle, or end; a complete exhibition of essential principles or facts, arranged in a rational dependence or connection; a regular union of principles or parts forming one entire thing; as, a system of philosophy; a system of government; a system of divinity; a system of botany or chemistry; a military system; the solar system. Specifically, a computer system.
    The best way to learn any science, is to begin with a regular system, or a short and plain scheme of that science well drawn up into a narrow compass. I. Watts.
  2. Hence, the whole scheme of created things regarded as forming one complete plan of whole; the universe. "The great system of the world." Boyle.
  3. Regular method or order; formal arrangement; plan; as, to have a system in one's business.
  4. (Mus.) The collection of staves which form a full score. See Score, n.
  5. (Biol.) An assemblage of parts or organs, either in animal or plant, essential to the performance of some particular function or functions which as a rule are of greater complexity than those manifested by a single organ; as, the capillary system, the muscular system, the digestive system, etc.; hence, the whole body as a functional unity.
  6. (Zoöl.) One of the stellate or irregular clusters of intimately united zooids which are imbedded in, or scattered over, the surface of the common tissue of many compound ascidians.

Webster 1913