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| sys·tem [ sístəm ] (plural sys·tems) |
noun |
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| Definition: |
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1. complex whole formed from related parts: a combination of related parts organized into a complex whole
  a social system
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2. set of principles: a scheme of ideas or principles by which something is organized
the democratic system
the metric system
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3. way of proceeding: a method or set of procedures for achieving something
I have worked out a system for identifying likely failures.
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4. orderliness: the use or result of careful planning and organization
There doesn't seem to be any system in his working methods.
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5. established social organization: the established social order, especially when regarded as oppressive
You can't beat the system.
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6. whole body: the human or animal body as a unit
foods that are not good for the system
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7. group of related body parts: a set of organs or structures in the body that have a common function
the nervous system
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8. comput set of computer components: an assembly of computer hardware, software, and peripherals functioning together
The system's down again.
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9. engineering assembly of components: an assembly of mechanical or electronic components that function together as a unit
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10. transportation transport network: a physical network of roads, railways, and other routes for travel, transport, or communication
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11. astronomy group of astronomical objects: a group of astronomical objects or other gravitationally linked objects
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12. minerals mineral classification: a division used in the classification of minerals according to their crystal structures
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13. geology classification of rocks according to date: a division of rocks larger than a series but smaller than a stage, used to distinguish formations of a specific era or period
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14. science assembly of substances in equilibrium: an assembly of substances in chemical or physical equilibrium
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15. music group of musical staves: a number of musical staves that are grouped together by a line or brace in a score and are played simultaneously
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| [Early 17th century. Directly or via French< late Latin systema< Greek sustēma< sunistanai "combine" < histanai "set up"] |
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| sys·tem·less adjective |
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all systems go used to indicate that everything is functioning and an operation or activity can start (informal)
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