- The definition of a system is a set of rules, an arrangement of things, or a group of related things that work toward a common goal.
- An example of a system are the laws and procedures of a democratic government.
- An example of a system is the way someone organizes their closet.
- An example of a system is all the organs that work together for digestion.
- a set or arrangement of things so related or connected as to form a unity or organic whole: a solar system, school system, system of highways
- a set of facts, principles, rules, etc. classified or arranged in a regular, orderly form so as to show a logical plan linking the various parts
- a method or plan of classification or arrangement
- an established way of doing something; method; procedure
- orderliness or methodical planning in one's way of proceeding
- the body considered as a functioning organism
- a number of bodily organs acting together to perform one of the main bodily functions: the digestive system
- a related series of natural objects or elements, as cave passages, rivers, etc.
- Chem. a group of substances in or approaching equilibrium: a system with two components, phases, or variables is called binary, one with three, ternary, etc.
- an organization of hardware and software, often together with personnel, that function together as a unit
- operating system: often in the pl. form when used attributively: a system programmer, systems software
- Crystallography any of the seven divisions (cubic, tetragonal, hexagonal, rhombohedral, orthorhombic, monoclinic, and triclinic) in which all crystal forms can be placed, based on the degree of symmetry of the crystals
- Geol. a major division of stratified rocks consisting of the rocks laid down during a geologic period
Origin of systemLate Latin systema ; from Classical Greek systēma (gen. systēmatos) ; from synistanai, to place together ; from syn-, together + histanai, to set: see stand
get something out of one's system
- A group of interacting, interrelated, or interdependent elements forming a complex whole, especially:a. An organism as a whole, especially with regard to its vital processes or functions: The animal's entire system seems to be affected by the disease.b. A group of physiologically or anatomically related organs or parts: the excretory system; a root system.c. A group of interacting mechanical or electrical components: the building's heating system.d. A network of structures and channels, as for communication, travel, or distribution: a highway system.e. A network of related computer software, hardware, and data transmission devices.
- a. An organized set of interrelated ideas or principles: Kant's philosophical system.b. A social, economic, or political organizational form: the feudal system.
- a. An arrangement or configuration of classification or measurement: the taxonomic system; the metric system.b. An organized and coordinated method; a procedure: We have an efficient system for processing returned merchandise. See Synonyms at method.
- a. A naturally occurring group of objects or phenomena: a cave system; a weather system.b. Geology A set of rock strata grouped by geologic time period and divided into series.
- Harmonious interaction or order: a restaurant kitchen that was completely without system.
- The prevailing social order; the establishment. Used with the: You can't beat the system.
Origin of systemLate Latin systēma, systēmat-, from Greek sustēma, from sunistanai, to combine : sun-, syn- + histanai, set up, establish; see stā- in Indo-European roots.
- A collection of organized things; as in a solar system.
- A way of organising or planning.
- Many people believed communism was a good system until the breakup of the Soviet Union.
- A whole composed of relationships among the members.
- (music) A set of staffs that indicate instruments or sounds that are to be played simultaneously.
- (mathematics) A set of equations involving the same variables, which are to be solved simultaneously.
From late Latin systÄ“ma, from Ancient Greek ÏƒÏÏƒÏ„Î·Î¼Î± (sustÄ“ma, â€œorganised whole, bodyâ€), from ÏƒÏÎ½ (syn, â€œwith, togetherâ€) + á¼µÏƒÏ„Î·Î¼Î¹ (histÄ“mi, â€œI standâ€).
system - Computer Definition
- A combination or assembly of components that forms a complex whole entity that functions as single unit, such as a computer system, PBX system, or transmission system.
- An established, orderly method or procedure for doing something.
(1) A group of related components that interact to perform a task.
(2) A "computer system" is made up of the CPU, operating system and peripheral devices. All desktop computers, laptop computers, network servers, minicomputers and mainframes are computer systems. Most references to "computer" imply the "computer system." See computer system.
(3) An "information system" is a business application made up of the database, the data entry, update, query and report programs as well as manual and machine procedures. Order processing systems, payroll systems, inventory systems and accounts payable systems are examples of "information systems." See information system.
(4) "The system" often refers to the operating system, the master control program that runs the computer. See operating system.