ˈsɪstɪm n. 1 a
complex whole; a set of
connected things or parts; an organized
body of
material or
immaterial things. 2 a set of devices (e.g. pulleys) functioning
together. 3 Physiol. a a set of organs in
the body
with a
common structure or
function (the
digestive system). b the
human or
animal body as a whole. 4 a
method; considered principles of
procedure or classification. b classification. 5 orderliness. 6 a a body of
theory or
practice relating to or prescribing a
particular form of
government,
religion, etc. b (prec. by the) the prevailing
political or
social order,
esp. regarded as
oppressive and intransigent. 7 a method of choosing one's procedure in gambling etc. 8 Computing a
group of
related hardware units or programs or
both, esp.
when dedicated to a
single application. 9
one of
seven general types of
crystal structure. 10 a
major group of geological
strata (the
Devonian system). 11
Physics a group of associated bodies
moving under mutual gravitation etc. 12 Mus. the braced
staves of a
score. øget a
thing out of one's system colloq. be
rid of a
preoccupation or
anxiety. systems
analysis the analysis of a complex process or
operation in order to
improve its efficiency, esp. by applying a
computer system. øøsystemless adj. [F systëme or LL systema f. Gk sustema -atos (as
SYN-, histemi set up)]