subsystem

subsystem

[′səb‚sis·təm]

(engineering)

A major part of a system which itself has the characteristics of a system, usually consisting of several components.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

building subsystem

1. A complete group of elements or set of parts that form and function as a unit within a finished building.

2. An assemblage of components that perform a specific function in a building, e.g., an air-conditioning system consisting of its components such as a fan, ductwork, air diffusers, and controls.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Architecture and Construction. Copyright © 2003 by McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

subsystem

A unit or device that is part of a larger system. For example, a disk subsystem is a part of a computer system. A bus is a part of the computer. A subsystem usually refers to hardware, but it may be used to describe software. However, "module," "subroutine" and "component" are more typically used to describe parts of software.

Copyright © 1981-2025 by The Computer Language Company Inc. All Rights reserved. THIS DEFINITION IS FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY. All other reproduction is strictly prohibited without permission from the publisher.