catflap.org Online Dictionary Query

  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.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              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.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     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.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     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.
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     Block system, Conservative system, etc. See under
        Block, Conservative, etc.
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  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.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     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).
        [1913 Webster]
  
     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.
        [1913 Webster]

  
  
        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.

  
  
     2. Tending or disposed to maintain existing institutions;
        opposed to change or innovation.
  
     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.
  
              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).
  
     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.