subsystem

noun

sub·​sys·​tem ˈsəb-ˌsi-stəm How to pronounce subsystem (audio)
variants or less commonly sub-system
plural subsystems also sub-systems
: a system that is part of a larger system
These subsystems of the climate system include the atmosphere, the oceans (both upper and deep oceans), the sea ice, the ice sheets, the land surface, and the biota.Stephen H. Schneider
Voyager 2 was the troublesome twin. Even before launch, failures in its onboard computer subsystems had to be rectified. The problems continued after liftoff as the attitude-control subsystem behaved in an unexpected fashion.William I. McLaughlin

Examples of subsystem in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Only in the purest of sporting cars does one see this measure of thought about how every system and subsystem impacts and also fits with other systems. Mark Ewing, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024 If the navigation subsystem doesn’t understand stairs, then the robot may tumble down them and hurt itself (and possibly innocent bystanders). Hans Peter Brondmo, WIRED, 10 Sep. 2024 Each of those vehicles could be based on a common platform, but the specific in-cabin features, safety features, subsystems and vehicle dynamics are very different. Yu Fang, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024 The purpose of the hot-fire exercise was to confirm the proper interaction of the second stage subsystems as well as the two BE-3U engines and ground control systems. David Szondy, New Atlas, 24 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for subsystem 

Word History

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subsystem was in 1756

Dictionary Entries Near subsystem

Cite this Entry

“Subsystem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subsystem. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

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