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

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

There are at least two sets of separate plumbing subsystems running through every home that require routine maintenance: pipes that supply clean, treated water into the home and those that carry used water (known as wastewater) out. —

Earl Foster, Austin American-Statesman, 25 Jan. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for subsystem