system
/ˈsɪstəm/ noun
Forms systems
- noun A group or set of related things that operate together as a complex whole.
- noun (computing) A set of hardware and software operating in a computer.
- noun (mathematics) A set of equations involving the same variables, which are to be solved simultaneously.
- noun (music) A set of staves linked by a brace that indicate instruments or sounds that are to be played simultaneously.
- noun (physiology) A set of body organs having a particular function. “the digestive system the nervous system”
- noun (multiplicity) A set of alters of a person, or the multiple (“an individual with multiple personalities”) who contains them.
- noun (astronomy) A system in which two or more objects are bound to each other by gravity. “There are eight planets in the solar system.”
- noun (philosophy) A comprehensive and logically organized set of propositions or philosophical beliefs.
Synonyms
arrangement complex composition organization set up structure apparatus multiple plural system scheme system of rules organisation
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.
Webster’s 1913
- noun 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.
- noun Hence, the whole scheme of created things regarded as forming one complete plan of whole; the universe. "The great system of the world." Boyle.
Etymology [L. systema, Gr. système. See Stand.]
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “system”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details