The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
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.
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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.
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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.
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3. Regular method or order; formal arrangement; plan; as, to
have a system in one's business.
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4. (Mus.) The collection of staves which form a full score.
See Score, n.
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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.
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6. (Zool.) 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.
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Block system, Conservative system, etc. See under
Block, Conservative, etc.
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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Conservative \Con*serv"a*tive\, a. [Cf. F. conservatif.]
1. Having power to preserve in a safe of entire state, or
from loss, waste, or injury; preservative.
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2. Tending or disposed to maintain existing institutions;
opposed to change or innovation.
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3. Of or pertaining to a political party which favors the
conservation of existing institutions and forms of
government, as the Conservative party in England; --
contradistinguished from Liberal and Radical.
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We have always been conscientiously attached to what
is called the Tory, and which might with more
propriety be called the Conservative, party.
--Quart. Rev.
(1830).
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Conservative system (Mech.), a material system of such a
nature that after the system has undergone any series of
changes, and been brought back in any manner to its
original state, the whole work done by external agents on
the system is equal to the whole work done by the system
overcoming external forces. --Clerk
Maxwell.
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