1. A group of independent but interrelated elements comprising a unified whole
   "a vast system of production and distribution and consumption keep the country going";
   - scheme
    
2. Instrumentality that combines interrelated interacting artifacts designed to work as a coherent entity
   "he bought a new stereo system"; "the system consists of a motor and a small computer"
    
3. A complex of methods or rules governing behaviour
   "that language has a complex system for indicating gender"; "they have to operate under a system they oppose";
   - system of rules
    
4. An organized structure for arranging or classifying
   "he tried to understand their system of classification";
   - arrangement, organization, organisation [Brit]
    
5. A procedure or process for obtaining an objective
   "they had to devise a system that did not depend on cooperation"
    
6. A group of physiologically or anatomically related organs or parts
   "the body has a system of organs for digestion"
    
7. (physical chemistry) a sample of matter in which substances in different phases are in equilibrium
   "in a static system, oil cannot be replaced by water on a surface"; "a system generating hydrogen peroxide"
    
8. An ordered manner; orderliness by virtue of being methodical and well organized
   "we can't do it unless we establish some system around here";
   - organization, organisation [Brit]
    
9. The living body considered as made up of interdependent components forming a unified whole
   "exercise helped him get the alcohol out of his system"
    
10. (music) a set of staves that indicate instruments or sounds that are to be played simultaneously
    "The conductor studied the system to understand how the different parts fit together"

Derived forms: systems

Type of: body part, group, grouping, instrumentality, instrumentation, live body, matter, means, method, methodicalness, orderliness, plan of action, structure

Encyclopedia: System, solar