Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of System?

\Sys"tem\, n. [L. systema, Gr. ?, fr. ? to place together; sy`n with + ? to place: cf. F. syst[`e]me. See {Stand}.] 1. An assemblage of objects arranged in regular subordination, or after some distinct method, usually logical or scientific; a complete whole of objects related by some common law, principle, or end; a complete exhibition of essential principles or facts, arranged in a rational dependence or connection; a regular union of principles or parts forming one entire thing; as, a system of philosophy; a system of government; a system of divinity; a system of botany or chemistry; a military system; the solar system. The best way to learn any science, is to begin with a regular system, or a short and plain scheme of that science well drawn up into a narrow compass. --I. Watts. 2. Hence, the whole scheme of created things regarded as forming one complete plan of whole; the universe. ``The great system of the world.'' --Boyle. 3. Regular method or order; formal arrangement; plan; as, to have a system in one's business. 4. (Mus.) The collection of staves which form a full score. See {Score}, n. 5. (Biol.) An assemblage of parts or organs, either in animal or plant, essential to the performance of some particular function or functions which as a rule are of greater complexity than those manifested by a single organ; as, the capillary system, the muscular system, the digestive system, etc.; hence, the whole body as a functional unity. 6. (Zo["o]l.) One of the stellate or irregular clusters of intimately united zooids which are imbedded in, or scattered over, the surface of the common tissue of many compound ascidians. {Block system}, {Conservative system}, etc. See under {Block}, {Conservative}, etc.
{Type founder}, one who casts or manufacture type. {Type foundry}, {Type foundery}, a place for the manufacture of type. {Type metal}, an alloy used in making type, stereotype plates, etc., and in backing up electrotype plates. It consists essentially of lead and antimony, often with a little tin, nickel, or copper. {Type wheel}, a wheel having raised letters or characters on its periphery, and used in typewriters, printing telegraphs, etc. {Unity of type} (Biol.), that fundamental agreement in structure which is seen in organic beings of the same class, and is quite independent of their habits of life. --Darwin.