systemic
systemic Lexical Profile
systemic Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Relating to, inherent in, or affecting a system as a whole, rather than being confined to a particular part or isolated instance.
"The committee concluded that the financial crisis was caused by systemic weaknesses in regulatory oversight."
Relating to or affecting the entire body or a complete physiological organism rather than an individual organ or localized area.
"Untreated localized infections can sometimes spread through the bloodstream and become systemic."
Absorbed into a plant's vascular system and transported throughout its tissues, rendering the entire organism toxic to pests or resistant to disease.
"The arborist applied a systemic insecticide to the soil so the tree could absorb protection through its roots."
• noun
A pesticide, fungicide, or medication that is absorbed by and distributed throughout an entire plant or animal organism.
"Agricultural researchers tested several new systemics to protect the citrus groves from sap-feeding insects."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'systemic' with 'systematic': 'systemic' describes something inherent to or affecting an entire system, whereas 'systematic' describes an action done methodically according to a plan.
• Rhymes for systemic
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the early 19th century from 'system' (from Late Latin 'systema' and Ancient Greek 'systema', meaning an organized whole) plus the adjectival suffix '-ic'.