subsystem
UK: ˈsʌbˌsɪstəm | US: ˈsʌbˌsɪstəm
n. a secondary or subordinate system within a larger system.
The word "subsystem" combines the Latin prefix "sub-" (meaning "under" or "secondary") with the Greek-derived noun "system" (from "syn-" [together] + "histanai" [to stand]). The term emerged in the mid-20th century, reflecting the hierarchical organization of complex systems in fields like engineering and computing. The prefix "sub-" logically denotes a smaller, dependent unit within a broader framework.
The spacecraft's power supply is a critical subsystem.
Each subsystem must be tested before integrating it into the main network.
The software’s security subsystem prevents unauthorized access.
Engineers identified a flaw in the cooling subsystem.
The ecosystem functions through interactions between its subsystems.