A system is a way of working, organizing, or doing something which follows a fixed plan or set of rules. You can use system to refer to an organization or institution that is organized in this way.
The present system of funding for higher education is unsatisfactory.
...a flexible and relatively efficient filing system.
...a multi-party system of government. [+ of]
The Court of Appeal has a pivotal role in the English legal system.
Synonyms: arrangement, structure, organization, scheme More Synonyms of system
2. countable noun
A system is a set of devices powered by electricity, for example a computer or an alarm.
Viruses tend to be good at surviving when a computer system crashes.
3. countable noun
A system is a set of equipment or parts such as water pipes or electrical wiring, which is used to supply water, heat, or electricity.
...a central heating system.
4. countable noun
A system is a network of things that are linked together so that people or things can travelfrom one place to another or communicate.
...Australia's road and rail system.
...a news channel on a local cable system.
Synonyms: network, organization, web, grid More Synonyms of system
5. countable noun
Your system is your body's organs and other parts that together perform particular functions.
He had slept for over fourteen hours, and his system seemed to have recuperated admirably.
These gases would seriously damage the patient's respiratory system.
...the reproductive system.
6. countable noun
A system is a particular set of rules, especially in mathematics or science, which is used to count or measure things.
...the decimal system of metric weights and measures. [+ of]
...Trachtenberg's system of simplified mathematics.
Synonyms: method, practice, technique, procedure More Synonyms of system
7. singular noun
People sometimes refer to the government or administration of a country as the system.
These feelings are likely to make people attempt to overthrow the system.
He wants to be the tough rebel who bucks the system.
8. See also central nervous system, digestive system, ecosystem, immune system, metric system, nervous system, public address system, solar system, sound system
9.
See get something out of one's system
More Synonyms of system
system in British English
(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. the system
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. chemistry
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. mineralogy
one of a group of divisions into which crystals may be placed on the basis of the lengths and inclinations of their axes
Also called: crystal system
15. geology
a stratigraphical unit for the rock strata formed during a period of geological time. It can be subdivided into series
Derived forms
systemless (ˈsystemless)
adjective
Word origin
C17: from French système, from Late Latin systēma, from Greek sustēma, from syn- + histanai to cause to stand
system in American English
(ˈsɪstəm)
noun
1.
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
2.
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
3.
a method or plan of classification or arrangement
4.
a.
an established way of doing something; method; procedure
b.
orderliness or methodical planning in one's way of proceeding
5.
a.
the body considered as a functioning organism
b.
a number of bodily organs acting together to perform one of the main bodily functions
the digestive system
6.
a related series of natural objects or elements, as cave passages, rivers, etc.
7. Chemistry
a group of substances in or approaching equilibrium: a system with two components, phases, or variables is called binary, one with three, ternary, etc.
8. Computing
a.
an organization of hardware and software, often together with personnel, that function together as a unit
b.
operating system: often in the pl. form when used attributively
a system programmer, systems software
9. 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
10. Geology
a major division of stratified rocks consisting of the rocks laid down during a geologic period
Idioms:
get something out of one's system
Word origin
LL systema < Gr systēma (gen. systēmatos) < synistanai, to place together < syn-, together + histanai, to set: see stand
system in Mechanical Engineering
(sɪstəm)
Word forms: (regular plural) systems
noun
(Mechanical engineering: Energy, thermodynamics and heat transfer)
In thermodynamics, a system is an entity within which energy is conserved.
The total energy of a thermodynamic system remains constant, even if it is converted from one form to another.
An isolated thermodynamic system is not influenced in any way by its surroundings.
In thermodynamics, a system is an entity within which energy is conserved.
More idioms containing
system
get something out of your system
COBUILD Collocations
system
benefit system
present system
tax system
whole system
Examples of 'system' in a sentence
system
There is no perfect system of voting.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The classification system ensures athletes are matched against competitors with similar disabilities.
The Sun (2012)
Many will have planned their affairs on the basis of the system as it stood.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
That presumes easy access to the most sensitive nuclear sites and a quick and efficient verification system.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Those two fields are as permanent as the capitalist system in this country.
Hopkins, Tom The Guide to Greatness in Sales (1994)
Why not have a buddy system where people can pay a social visit to an elderly person?
The Sun (2013)
One nice little investment was an administration system for dentists where people paid monthly for care.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
They argue that complex nervous systems evolved independently in different groups of animals.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The immune system is only one of these.
Mumby, Keith The Allergy Handbook (1988)
They are in fact using the tax system in the way intended.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Yet all year my central nervous system was slowly shutting down.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
The system makes the seat more secure and easier to install correctly.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The system is perfect for those unwilling to spend all their holidays in one place.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Paralympians have long been accused of cheating the classification system.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Having healthy adrenal glands is important for an efficient immune system.
Martlew, Gillian & Silver, Shelley (ed) The Medicine Chest - your family's guide to prescription drugs (1988)
It resulted in a basically feudal and totalitarian system of government that exists today in an adapted form.
Lewith, George & Horn, Sandra Drug-Free Pain Relief (1987)
They discovered how faulty cells in the immune system which destroy body tissue can be converted into ones whichprotect against disease.
The Sun (2014)
To be a successful hacker you must understand what computer systems are used by the target company and how they are used.
Croft, James Corporate Cloak and Dagger (1994)
The destructive power of such a weather system depends on the difference in air pressure between its centre and its outer edges.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
The braking system in a car uses a brake fluid to transmit the pressure from the pedal cylinder to the wheel cylinder.
Chapman, C. & Horsley, M. & Small, E. Technology Basic Facts (1990)
This process of distillation of some features from a set of observed objects is at the basis of most systems of classification.
Lee Harvey Critical Social Research (1990)
Their body systems work less efficiently, with diminishing hormones and natural changes in body rhythms.
Mayes, Kathleen Beat Jet Lag - arrive alert and stay alert (1991)
All the animals were then either given experimental treatments to fight cancer or simply observed to see how their own immune systems attempted to combat the disease.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Traders earlier had reported problems with some computer systems owing to the power cuts, which affected about 1.4 million homes.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
In other languages
system
British English: system /ˈsɪstəm/ NOUN
A system is a way of working, organizing, or doing something which follows a fixed plan or set of rules.
You need a better system for organizing your files.
American English: system
Arabic: نِظَام
Brazilian Portuguese: sistema
Chinese: 系统
Croatian: sistem
Czech: systém
Danish: system
Dutch: systeem
European Spanish: sistema
Finnish: järjestelmä
French: système
German: System
Greek: σύστημα
Italian: sistema
Japanese: 組織的な方法
Korean: 시스템
Norwegian: system
Polish: system
European Portuguese: sistema
Romanian: sistem
Russian: система
Latin American Spanish: sistema
Swedish: system
Thai: ระบบ
Turkish: sistem
Ukrainian: система
Vietnamese: hệ thống
All related terms of 'system'
PA system
→ public-address system
ABO system
a system for classifying human blood on the basis of the presence or absence of two antigens on the red cell membrane : there are four such blood types (A, B , AB , and O )
air system
a system of refrigeration utilizing air as a coolant
CAD system
A CAD system is a computer system for designing parts or products before they are manufactured .
case system
a system followed by some languages, in which a set of grammatical categories , sometimes marked by inflection , indicates the relation of the noun , adjective , or pronoun to other words in the sentence
fuel system
The fuel system in a vehicle is the combination of parts needed to carry fuel into and out of the engine .
HLA system
human leucocyte antigen system; a group of the most important antigens responsible for tissue compatibility, together with the genes that encode them. For tissue and organ transplantation to be successful there needs to be a minimum number of HLA differences between the donor's and recipient's tissue
jury system
a legal system used to determine the facts in a lawsuit
midi system
a complete set of hi-fi sound equipment designed as a single unit that is more compact than the standard equipment
MKSA system
a system of units based on the metre , kilogram , second, and ampere , in which the magnetic constant has the value 4π × 10 –7 henries per metre. It was used as a basis for SI units
mks system
The mks system is the metric system in which the meter , kilogram , and the second are the fundamental units.
open system
an operating system that is not specific to a particular supplier, but conforms to more widely compatible standards
star system
a group of celestial bodies that are associated as a result of natural laws
system disk
the disk from which a computer boots up
tax system
A system is a way of working , organizing , or doing something which follows a fixed plan or set of rules . You can use system to refer to an organization or institution that is organized in this way.
the system
society seen as an environment exploiting , restricting, and repressing individuals
wall system
a modular system of shelves , some of which may be enclosed by doors , either mounted on a wall or arranged in freestanding units, for holding books, bric-a-brac, etc., and sometimes including such features as a drop-leaf desk or specially designed storage space, as to accommodate electronic equipment
alarm system
a set of electronic devices that trigger an alarm
audio system
integrated equipment for producing amplified sound, as in a hi-fi or a mobile disco , or as a public-address system on stage
Bedaux system
a system of payment for work on the basis of the number of points of work done in a given amount of time, each point representing one minute of work on a given job at a normal rate of speed
belief system
The belief system of a person or society is the set of beliefs that they have about what is right and wrong and what is true and false .
block system
the system whereby a railway is divided up into separate sections of track where only one train can travel at a time
buddy system
the practice of pairing swimmers, each being responsible for the other's safety
caste system
the division of Hindu society into four major hereditary classes
class system
a system in which social status is largely determined by the family into which a person is born
expert system
a computer program that can offer intelligent advice or make intelligent decisions using rule-based programs
feudal system
→ feudalism
fixed system
a system of solmization which assigns the names ut (or do ), re , mi , fa , sol , la, si (or ti ) to the degrees of the major scale of C
formal system
an uninterpreted symbolic system whose syntax is precisely defined, and on which a relation of deducibility is defined in purely syntactic terms; a logistic system
Giorgi system
a system of units based on the metre , kilogram , second, and ampere , in which the magnetic constant has the value 4π × 10 –7 henries per metre. It was used as a basis for SI units
honor system
in some schools, prisons , etc., a system whereby individuals are trusted to obey the rules, do their work, take tests , etc. without direct supervision
hybrid system
a way of working , organizing , or doing something that is composed of elements of two separate systems
immune system
Your immune system consists of all the organs and processes in your body which protect you from illness and infection .
legal system
the set of laws of a country and the ways in which they are interpreted and enforced
limbic system
the part of the brain bordering on the corpus callosum: concerned with basic emotion , hunger , and sex
lymph system
Anatomy See lymphatic system
merit system
the system of employing and promoting civil servants solely on the basis of ability rather than patronage
metric system
The metric system is the system of measurement that uses metres, grams , and litres .
plenum system
a type of air-conditioning system in which air is passed into a room at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure
points system
a system used to assess applicants ' eligibility for local authority housing , based on (points awarded for) such factors as the length of time the applicant has lived in the area, how many children are in the family, etc
point system
a system of measurement using the point as its unit
quota system
a system which limits or prescribes certain shares , or quotas , etc
school system
all the schools and support services under the jurisdiction of a board of education
solar system
The solar system is the sun and all the planets that go round it.
sound system
A sound system is a set of equipment for playing recorded music , or for making a band's music able to be heard by everyone at a concert .
spoils system
the practice of filling appointive public offices with friends and supporters of the ruling political party
stereo system
a system for recording , reproducing , or broadcasting sound using two or more separate microphones to feed two or more loudspeakers through separate channels in order to give a spatial effect to the sound
system error
An error is something you have done which is considered to be incorrect or wrong , or which should not have been done.
touch system
a typing system in which the fingers are trained to find the correct keys , permitting the typist to read and type copy without looking at the keyboard
track system
the practice of placing students into different classes within a school according to test scores or relative academic ability, to assure that gifted students are not inhibited by slower learners
Chinese translation of 'system'
system
(ˈsɪstəm)
n(c)
(= organization, set) 系统(統) (xìtǒng) (个(個), gè)
⇒ a new administrative system新的行政系统 (xīn de xíngzhèng xìtǒng)
⇒ a computer system电脑系统 (diànnǎo xìtǒng)
(= method) 方法 (fāngfǎ) (种(種), zhǒng)
⇒ a simple filing system简单的文件归档方法 (jiǎndān de wénjiàn guīdàng fāngfǎ)
(Anat, Law, Math) 系统(統) (xìtǒng)
⇒ the digestive system消化系统 (xiāohuà xìtǒng)
⇒ the legal system法律系统 (fǎlǜ xìtǒng)
⇒ the decimal system十进制 (shíjìnzhì)
(= body) 身体(體) (shēntǐ)
⇒ The strenuous exercise made great demands on her system.艰苦的锻炼使她的身体付出很大的代价。 (Jiānkǔ de duànliàn shǐ tā de shēntǐ fùchū hěn dà de dàijià.)
the system (= government) 制度 (zhìdù)
it was a shock to his system对(對)他震动(動)很大 (duì tā zhèndòng hěn dà)
to get sth out of one's system把某事发(發)泄(洩)出来(來) (bǎ mǒushì fāxiè chūlái)
All related terms of 'system'
the system
( government ) 制度 zhìdù
immune system
免疫系统(統) miǎnyì xìtǒng
nervous system
神经(經)系统(統) shénjīng xìtǒng
solar system
太阳(陽)系 tàiyángxì
operating system
操作系统(統) cāozuò xìtǒng [ 个(個) gè ]
a system whereby we ...
我们(們)借以 ... 的一种(種)制度 wǒmen jièyǐ ... de yī zhǒng zhìdù
it was a shock to his system
对(對)他震动(動)很大 duì tā zhèndòng hěn dà
to get sth out of one's system
把某事发(發)泄(洩)出来(來) bǎ mǒushì fāxiè chūlái
PA
personal assistant 私人助理 sīrén zhùlǐ
PA (system)
public address system 有线(線)广(廣)播系统(統) yǒuxiàn guǎngbō xìtǒng
GPS
global positioning system 全球定位系统 quánqiú dìngwèi xìtǒng [ 个(個) gè ]
1 (noun)
Definition
any scheme or set of rules used to classify, explain, or calculate
a multi-party system of government
Synonyms
arrangement
an imaginative flower arrangement
structure
The chemical structure of this particular molecule is very unusual.
organization
the internal organization of the department
scheme
combination
classification
the accepted classification of the animal and plant kingdoms
coordination
setup (informal)
I gradually got rather disillusioned with the whole setup.
2 (noun)
Definition
a network of communications, transportation, or distribution
a news channel on a local cable system
Synonyms
network
The uterus is supplied with a network of blood vessels and nerves.
organization
web
a complex web of financial dealings
grid
a grid of narrow streets
set of channels
3 (noun)
Definition
a method or set of methods for doing or organizing something
the decimal system of metric weights and measures
Synonyms
method
new teaching methods
practice
a public inquiry into bank practices
technique
tests performed using a new technique
procedure
He did not follow the correct procedure in applying for a visa.
routine
The players had to change their daily routine.
theory
He produced a theory about historical change.
usage
a fruitful convergence with past usage and custom
methodology
Teaching methodologies vary according to the topic.
frame of reference
modus operandi
We reserve the right to alter our modus operandi.
fixed order
4 (noun)
Definition
orderliness or routine
Synonyms
orderliness
method
They go about their work with method and common sense.
regularity
definite plan
logical process
systematization
methodicalness
phrase
See the system
Additional synonyms
in the sense of classification
Definition
placing things systematically in categories
the accepted classification of the animal and plant kingdoms
Synonyms
categorization,
grading,
cataloguing,
taxonomy,
codification,
sorting,
analysis,
arrangement,
profiling
in the sense of grid
a grid of narrow streets
Synonyms
network
in the sense of methodology
Definition
the system of methods and principles used in a particular discipline
Teaching methodologies vary according to the topic.
Synonyms
practice,
style,
approach,
technique,
mode,
modus operandi
Synonyms of 'system'
system
Explore 'system' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of modus operandi
Definition
method of operating
We reserve the right to alter our modus operandi.
Synonyms
procedure,
way,
system,
process,
operation,
practice,
method,
technique,
praxis
in the sense of organization
Definition
the state of being organized
the internal organization of the department
Synonyms
structure,
grouping,
plan,
system,
form,
design,
method,
pattern,
make-up,
arrangement,
construction,
constitution,
format,
formation,
framework,
composition,
chemistry,
configuration,
conformation,
interrelation of parts
in the sense of practice
Definition
something done regularly or repeatedly
a public inquiry into bank practices
Synonyms
custom,
use,
way,
system,
rule,
method,
tradition,
habit,
routine,
mode,
usage,
wont,
praxis,
usual procedure,
tikanga (New Zealand)
in the sense of procedure
Definition
a way of doing something, esp. an established method
He did not follow the correct procedure in applying for a visa.
Synonyms
method,
policy,
process,
course,
system,
form,
action,
step,
performance,
operation,
practice,
scheme,
strategy,
conduct,
formula,
custom,
routine,
transaction,
plan of action,
modus operandi
in the sense of routine
Definition
a usual or regular method of procedure
The players had to change their daily routine.
Synonyms
procedure,
programme,
way,
order,
practice,
method,
pattern,
formula,
custom,
usage,
wont,
lockstep (US, Canadian)
in the sense of scheme
Definition
a chart, diagram, or outline
Synonyms
diagram,
system,
pattern,
schedule,
arrangement,
chart,
draft,
outline,
blueprint,
layout,
disposition,
schema,
codification
in the sense of setup
Definition
the way in which anything is organized or arranged
I gradually got rather disillusioned with the whole setup.
Synonyms
arrangement,
system,
structure,
organization,
conditions,
circumstances,
regime
in the sense of structure
Definition
the way the individual parts of something are made, built, or organized into a whole
The chemical structure of this particular molecule is very unusual.
Synonyms
arrangement,
form,
make-up,
make,
design,
organization,
construction,
fabric,
formation,
configuration,
conformation,
interrelation of parts
in the sense of technique
Definition
a method or skill used for a particular task
tests performed using a new technique
Synonyms
method,
way,
system,
approach,
means,
course,
style,
fashion,
manner,
procedure,
mode,
MO,
modus operandi
in the sense of theory
Definition
a set of ideas, based on evidence and careful reasoning, which offers an explanation of how something works or why something happens, but has not been completely proved