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system

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noun American English pronunciation: system /ˈsɪstəm/ 
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singularsystem
pluralsystems
  1. 1
    [countable] a set of connected things that work together for a particular purpose

    a central heating system

    I decided to install a security system to prevent any break-ins.

    the capital’s inadequate public transportation system

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  systemThesaurus entry for this meaning of system
    1. a.
      a set of organs, tubes, etc. in your body that work together
      cardiovascular/circulatory system:

      First, check that the circulatory system is working properly.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  systemThesaurus entry for this meaning of system
    2. b.
      a set of pieces of equipment or computer programs that work together

      a new computer system

      The magazine is produced using a desktop publishing system.

      system requirements (=the type of software, hardware, and the amount of memory needed to operate a program):

      The system requirements for this program are listed below.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  systemThesaurus entry for this meaning of system
  2. 2
    [countable/uncountable] a method of organizing or doing things

    a legal/educational/political system

    a two-party/multiparty system

    the criminal justice system

    system for:

    They are introducing a very sophisticated system for delivering information.

    system of:

    a democratic system of government

    system to:

    There is simply no system to the way Joshua works.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  systemThesaurus entry for this meaning of system
    1. a.

      the system

       rules that decide how a society, country, or organization should operate and that cannot be changed even though they seem unfair to you

      You can’t beat the system.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  systemThesaurus entry for this meaning of system
      See also  buck

phrases

This is the American English definition of system. View British English definition of system.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to British English.

 

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