Systemic
/sɪˈstɛmɪk/
Definitions
Relating to or affecting an entire system, not just a part.
/sɪˈstɛmɪk/
Relating to a system, especially the body or an organization.
The doctor prescribed medication to treat the systemic inflammation.
💡 Simply: Imagine your body is like a city. If a problem is systemic, it's affecting the whole city – like a polluted water supply. It's not just one neighborhood, it's everywhere!
👶 For kids: When something is systemic, it means it's happening all over, like if you have a tummy ache all day!
More Examples
The company implemented systemic changes to improve efficiency.
Systemic issues within the education system impact student outcomes.
How It's Used
"A systemic infection spreads throughout the body."
"Systemic risk in the financial sector could destabilize the global economy."
"Systemic racism can be found in various institutional practices and policies."
Synonyms
From Late Latin *systematicus*, from Greek *sustēmatikos* ('relating to a system'), from *sustēma* ('system'). The word has been used since the 17th century.
The term was initially used to describe the body's systems. Over time, it broadened to include other interconnected systems.
Memory tip
Think of a "system" like a car. If the problem is systemic, the whole car is affected, not just a single tire.