subsystem
noun
sub·sys·tem
ˈsəb-ˌsi-stəm 
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
Stephen H. SchneiderVoyager 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
William I. McLaughlinExamples of subsystem in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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 
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
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'subsystem.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near subsystem
Cite this Entry
“Subsystem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subsystem. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share