Systems Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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systems
[ˈsɪstəmz ]
Definitions
operating
Systems refer to a set of connected things or parts forming a complex whole. It can also refer to a set of principles or procedures according to which something is done, organized, or controlled.
Synonyms
arrangement, organization, structure.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| systems |
Used when referring to interconnected and interdependent elements working together, often in technology, biology, or business.
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| structure |
Used when referring to something that is built or arranged in a certain way, often emphasizing the stability and order of the arrangement.
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| arrangement |
Used when referring to the way things or people are organized or positioned, often in a particular order or pattern.
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| organization |
Used when referring to the act of arranging or ordering things, or to an entity, such as a company or group, that is structured and managed for a particular purpose.
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Examples of usage
- The solar system consists of the sun, planets, and other celestial bodies.
- Our company has implemented a new system for tracking inventory.
- The nervous system is responsible for transmitting signals throughout the body.
computer
In computing, systems refer to a collection of components working together to perform a specific task. It can include both hardware and software components.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| systems |
Refers to a set of connected things or parts forming a complex whole, commonly used in technological, biological, and organizational contexts.
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| platform |
Refers to a raised level surface or a fundamental base, commonly used in technology to denote a digital base for applications or services, as well as in physical and metaphorical contexts.
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| framework |
Often used to describe a basic structure that underlies or supports a system, concept, or text. Frequently appears in programming, software development, and theoretical contexts.
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| network |
Describes a group or system of interconnected people or things. Applicable in contexts such as computing, social groups, and communications.
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Examples of usage
- The operating system controls the basic functions of a computer.
- Our IT department is responsible for maintaining the network systems.
- Many businesses use customer relationship management systems to manage interactions with customers.
ecological
In ecology, systems refer to interconnected elements forming a complex whole, such as an ecosystem or a food chain.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| systems |
Used when referring to a set of interacting components functioning together within an organization, technology, biology, or any field involving a synchronized operation.
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| network |
Best for describing interconnected entities, whether it be computers, people, or organizations, especially when focusing on communication and relationships.
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| web |
Primarily used when referring to a complex, often intricate, interconnection of elements, such as the World Wide Web or a spider's web. Can also imply complexity and sometimes a sense of entanglement.
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| structure |
Applicable when discussing the arrangement or organization of parts within a complex entity, such as buildings, systems, or organizations.
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Examples of usage
- The coral reef ecosystem is a delicate system that is easily disrupted.
- Changes in one part of the system can have far-reaching effects on the entire ecosystem.
- The predator-prey relationship is a fundamental component of the ecological system.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In biology, a system can refer to the way an organism's body functions, like the circulatory system that flows blood throughout the body.
- In ecology, ecosystems show how living things interact with each other and their surroundings, illustrating complex dependencies.
- Computer systems are made up of hardware and software that work together to perform tasks, forming the backbone of all modern technology.
Psychology
- Cognitive systems theory explains how our brain processes information, connecting sensory input with actions and thoughts.
- Behavioral systems consider how different experiences and environments can shape human behavior, illustrating how people are influenced by their surroundings.
- Social systems in psychology examine how individuals interact within groups, determining their behavior based on group norms and dynamics.
Culture
- In music, systematized methods like scales and harmony provide structures that allow composers to create melodies and rhythms.
- In education, learning management systems help organize lessons and track student progress, showing how systems can improve learning outcomes.
- Many cultures have their unique systems of governance, influencing how societies operate and individuals interact with one another.
Technology
- The Internet is a massive global system that connects millions of computer networks, allowing communication and access to information worldwide.
- Operating systems, like Windows and macOS, manage computer hardware and software resources, serving as intermediaries between users and machines.
- Smart home systems integrate various appliances and devices to work together seamlessly, enhancing convenience and control in everyday life.
Origin of 'systems'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'system' comes from the Greek word 'systēma', meaning 'a combination' or 'whole formed by combining parts'.
- In ancient times, systems were first described in philosophy, especially in the works of Aristotle, who outlined systems in nature.
- The term evolved through Latin before entering the English language in the late 14th century.
The word 'system' originated from the Late Latin word 'systema', which in turn came from the Greek word 'sustema' meaning 'organized whole'. The concept of systems has been studied and applied in various fields, including mathematics, biology, and engineering. The modern usage of the word encompasses a wide range of interconnected elements working together to achieve a specific purpose.
See also: systematic, systematically, systematics, systematization, systematize, systemic, unsystematic.