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   system

   /ˈsɪstɪm/

   noun

   • 1. a set of things working together as parts of a mechanism or an interconnecting network; a complex whole: "the state railway system" Similar structureorganizationorderarrangementcomplexapparatusnetworkadministrationinstitutioninformal:set-up
   • ▪ a set of organs in the body with a common structure or function: "the digestive system"
   • ▪ the human or animal body as a whole: "you need to get the cholesterol out of your system"
   • ▪ a group of related hardware units or programs or both, especially when dedicated to a single application.
   • ▪ (in chronostratigraphy) a major range of strata that corresponds to a period in time, subdivided into series: "the Devonian system"
   • ▪ a group of celestial objects connected by their mutual attractive forces, especially moving in orbits about a centre: "the system of bright stars known as the Gould Belt"
   • ▪ short for weather system
   • ▪ short for crystal system
   • 2. a set of principles or procedures according to which something is done; an organized scheme or method: "a multiparty system of government" Similar methodmethodologytechniqueprocessprocedureapproachpracticelineline of actionline of attackattackmeanswaymannermodeframeworkmodus operandischemeplanpolicyprogrammeregimenset of principlesset of proceduresset of guidelinesformularoutinetactictack
   • ▪ a set of rules used in measurement or classification: "the metric system"
   • ▪ organized planning or behaviour; orderliness: "there was no system at all in the company" Similar methodicalnessorderlinesssystematizationplanninglogicroutine
   • ▪ a method of choosing one's procedure in gambling.
   • 3. the prevailing political or social order, especially when regarded as oppressive and intransigent: "don't try bucking the system" Similar the establishmentthe authoritiesthe powers that bethe ruling classthe regimebureaucracyofficialdomthe status quothe prevailing political/social orderarchaic:the regimen
   • 4. a set of staves in a musical score joined by a brace.

   Word Origin early 17th century: from French système or late Latin systema, from Greek sustēma, from sun- ‘with’ + histanai ‘set up’.

   Derivatives

   • 1. systemless adjective

   Scrabble Points: 11

   • S

     1

   • Y

     4

   • S

     1

   • T

     1

   • E

     1

   • M

     3

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