system

sys•tem

[[t]ˈsɪs təm[/t]] n.

1) an assemblage or combination of things or parts forming a complex or unitary whole

2) any assemblage or set of correlated members

3) an ordered and comprehensive assemblage of facts, principles, doctrines, or the like in a particular field

4) a coordinated body of methods or a scheme or plan of procedure; organizational scheme:

a system of government[/ex]

5) any formulated, regular, or special method or plan of procedure

6) bio anat.

a) an assemblage of organs or related tissues concerned with the same function:

the digestive system[/ex]

b) the entire human or animal body considered as a functioning unit:

an ingredient toxic to the system[/ex]

7) astron.

a) a number of heavenly bodies associated and acting together according to certain natural laws, as the solar system

b) a hypothesis or theory of the characteristics of heavenly bodies by which their phenomena, motions, changes, etc., are explained: the Copernican system

8) one's psychological makeup, esp. with reference to desires or preoccupations:

to get something out of one's system[/ex]

9) a method or scheme of classification:

the Linnaean system[/ex]

10) (sometimes cap.) the prevailing structure or organization of society, business, or politics or of society in general; establishment (usu. prec. by the):

to work within the system[/ex]

11) gel a major division of rocks comprising sedimentary deposits and igneous masses formed during a single geologic period

12) chem. Physical Chem. a combination of two or more phases, each of which consists of one or more substances, that is attaining or is in equilibrium

13) cmp a working combination of computer hardware, software, and data communications devices

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Etymology: 1610–20; < LL systēma < Gk sýstēma=systē-, var. s. ofsynistánaito combine, organize (syn- syn-+histánai to stand) +-ma, n. suffix of result