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Subsystem Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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subsystem

[หˆsสŒbหŒsษชstษ™m ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

computer science

A subsystem is a secondary or subordinate system that is part of a larger system. It performs a specific function within the context of the main system, contributing to its overall purpose. Subsystems can be independent yet interact with other subsystems, forming a complex interrelationship. In engineering, the performance and reliability of a subsystem are crucial for the success of the entire system. Subsystems help in managing complexity by breaking down large systems into manageable parts.

Synonyms

module, segment, subcomponent.

Examples of usage

  • The navigation subsystem guides the spacecraft during flight.
  • In software design, each module acts as a subsystem.
  • The power subsystem ensures that all devices receive adequate energy.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • In computer science, subsystems are the individual components that work together within a software application.
  • Automobiles have various subsystems, such as the fuel system and exhaust system, each playing a vital role in the vehicle's operation.

Biology

  • The human body has various biological subsystems, such as the respiratory and circulatory systems, which function individually yet depend on one another.
  • Ecological systems consist of subsystems like habitats and communities that together support life within a larger ecosystem.

Education

  • In education, a curriculum can be seen as a subsystem of a school's educational system, tailored to meet specific learning goals.
  • Classroom management is a subsystem within the broader system of school governance, focusing on maintaining order and facilitating learning.

Engineering

  • In aerospace engineering, a spacecraft consists of multiple subsystems such as propulsion, communication, and power systems, each crucial for success.
  • Large construction projects often divide work into subsystems, such as electrical and plumbing, to manage complexity more effectively.

Origin of 'subsystem'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'sub-' means 'under' or 'below', indicating that a subsystem operates within a larger system.
  • The term 'system' comes from the Greek word 'systema', meaning 'an organized whole'. Together they refer to organized parts within a whole.

The term 'subsystem' is derived from the prefix 'sub-', which comes from Latin meaning 'under' or 'below', combined with the word 'system', which originates from Greek 'sustฤ“ma', referring to a set of connected things or parts. The concept of subsystems gained prominence in fields like engineering and computer science during the 20th century as technology progressed, necessitating a division of larger systems into smaller, more manageable units. This approach allowed for better organization, functionality, and troubleshooting. The formal use of 'subsystem' in technical literature began to appear in the mid-1900s, reflecting the growing complexity of systems in various domains, such as aerospace, telecommunications, and computing.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,211, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.