system

American  

[sis-tuhm] / ˈsɪs təm /

noun

1. an assemblage or combination of things or parts forming a complex or unitary whole.

   a mountain system; a railroad system.

   Synonyms:

   unit

2. any assemblage or set of correlated members.

   a system of currency; a system of shorthand characters.

3. an ordered and comprehensive assemblage of facts, principles, doctrines, or the like in a particular field of knowledge or thought.

   a system of philosophy.

4. a coordinated body of methods or a scheme or plan of procedure; organizational scheme.

   a system of government.

5. any formulated, regular, or special method or plan of procedure.

   a system of marking, numbering, or measuring; a winning system at bridge.

6. due method or orderly manner of arrangement or procedure.

   There is no system in his work.

7. the world or universe.

   Synonyms:

   cosmos

8. Astronomy.

   1. a number of heavenly bodies associated and acting together according to certain natural laws.

      the solar system.

   2. a hypothesis or theory of the disposition and arrangements of the heavenly bodies by which their phenomena, motions, changes, etc., are explained.

      the Ptolemaic system; the Copernican system.

9. Biology.

   1. an assemblage of organs or related tissues concerned with the same function.

      the nervous system; the digestive system.

   2. the entire human or animal body considered as a functioning unit.

      an ingredient toxic to the system.

10. one's psychological makeup, especially with reference to desires or preoccupations.

    to get something out of one's system.

11. a method or scheme of classification.

    the Linnean system of plants.

12. Usually the system the prevailing structure or organization of society, business, or politics or of society in general; establishment.

    to work within the system instead of trying to change it.

13. Geology. a major division of rocks comprising sedimentary deposits and igneous masses formed during a single geologic period.

14. Physical Chemistry. a combination of two or more phases, as a binary system, each of which consists of one or more substances, that is attaining or is in equilibrium.

15. Computers. a working combination of hardware, software, and data communications devices.

16. Checkers. either of the two groups of 16 playing squares on four alternate columns.

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system British  

/ ˈsɪstəm /

noun

1. a group or combination of interrelated, interdependent, or interacting elements forming a collective entity; a methodical or coordinated assemblage of parts, facts, concepts, etc

   a system of currency

   the Copernican system

2. any scheme of classification or arrangement

   a chronological system

3. a network of communications, transportation, or distribution

4. a method or complex of methods

   he has a perfect system at roulette

5. orderliness; an ordered manner

6. (often capital) society seen as an environment exploiting, restricting, and repressing individuals

7. an organism considered as a functioning entity

8. any of various bodily parts or structures that are anatomically or physiologically related

   the digestive system

9. one's physiological or psychological constitution

   get it out of your system

10. any assembly of electronic, electrical, or mechanical components with interdependent functions, usually forming a self-contained unit

    a brake system

11. a group of celestial bodies that are associated as a result of natural laws, esp gravitational attraction

    the solar system

12. chem a sample of matter in which there are one or more substances in one or more phases See also phase rule

13. a point of view or doctrine used to interpret a branch of knowledge

14. Also called: crystal system.  mineralogy one of a group of divisions into which crystals may be placed on the basis of the lengths and inclinations of their axes

15. geology a stratigraphical unit for the rock strata formed during a period of geological time. It can be subdivided into series

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system Cultural  

1. A group of bodily organs that have similar structures or work together to perform some function, such as the digestive system, nervous system, and respiratory system.

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system Idioms  

1. see all systems go; out of one's system.

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Other Word Forms

• intersystem adjective
• supersystem noun
• systemless adjective

Etymology

Origin of system

First recorded in 1610–20; from Late Latin systēma, from Greek sýstēma whole compounded of several parts, equivalent to sy- “”with, together” + stē- (variant stem of histánai “to cause to stand”; akin to Latin stāre “to stand” ) + -ma noun suffix denoting result of action; sy-, stand

Example Sentences

But behind it all, I knew the system I wanted to play and getting the right fit, in terms of the identity of every player in that system, was imperative for us.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Studying Uranus could also help scientists better understand similar planets beyond our solar system, since ice giants appear to be common throughout the Milky Way.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

The December 2024 shooting outside of a New York City hotel, captured on security cameras, shocked Americans while highlighting deep public anger over the country's private, often costly, healthcare system.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Academy coaches from the top clubs are finding a way through the system, as I am sure their contacts with clubs' young players is part of their appeal.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

An inhalation room treated the respiratory system and asthma, and there were detoxifying baths using mud from the nearby springs.

From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson

Related Words

• arrangement
• operation
• policy
• practice
• procedure
• process
• scheme
• strategy
• structure
• technique