1
: a regularly interacting or interdependent group of items forming a unified whole : as
a (1) : a group of interacting bodies under the influence of related forces (2) : an assemblage of substances that is in or tends to equilibrium
b (1) : a group of body organs that together perform one or more vital functions (2) : the body considered as a functional unit
c : a group of related natural objects or forces
d : a group of devices or artificial objects or an organization forming a network especially for distributing something or serving a common purpose
e : a major division of rocks usually larger than a series and including all formed during a period or era
f : a form of social, economic, or political organization or practice
2
: an organized set of doctrines, ideas, or principles usually intended to explain the arrangement or working of a systematic whole
3
a : an organized or established procedure
b : a manner of classifying, symbolizing, or schematizing
4
: harmonious arrangement or pattern : order
5
: an organized society or social situation regarded as stultifying or oppressive : establishment 2 —usually used with the