noun
system
SIHS-tuhm
noun
1
A set of related parts that work together as a whole.
"The human body has several organ systems working together to keep it alive."
"They installed a new security system in the office."
2
A computer's hardware and software working together.
"The system crashed twice during the update."
3
A structured method or approach for organizing or doing something.
"He developed his own filing system for the paperwork."
4
The established institutions and authorities of a society, especially seen as impersonal or oppressive.
"She felt like she was fighting the system just to get a fair hearing."
How to Use System
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA set of parts, rules, or institutions that function together as one connected whole.
Common pairings
operating system
immune system
fight the system
Word Forms
systems plural
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The human body has several organ _____ working together to keep it alive.
Etymology
From Late Latin systema, "an organized whole," from Ancient Greek sustema, from sunistemi, "to combine, organize" (syn-, "together," plus histemi, "to stand").