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systemic

siss-TEM-ik /sɪˈstɛmɪk/

adjectiveC1GRESATGMATUPSC

formalacademicmedical

Relating to or affecting an entire system or organism, rather than just a localized part.

In medicine, describes conditions spread throughout the entire body; in social sciences, describes issues embedded across whole systems.

The story behind the word. Derived from 'system' (Greek 'systema', an organized whole created by placing things together). Late 19th-century medical practitioners began using 'systemic' to describe treatments or diseases that traveled through the entire vascular network rather than staying isolated.

Word relationships

pervasive: Spreading widely throughout, whereas systemic emphasizes affection of the entire integrated system.
generalized: Widespread, but less technical regarding structured biological systems.

localized: Restricted to one specific spot or organ.
focal: Centered on a single focal point.

Commonly confused with

systematic: Systematic means organized and step-by-step; systemic means affecting the whole system.

Word family

systemically (adverb): In a manner that affects an entire system.

Collocations

systemic circulation
systemic issue
systemic risk
systemic inflammation

Example sentences

"If left untreated, local wound infections can trigger a severe systemic inflammatory response." Pathology
"The central bank acted quickly to prevent systemic financial collapse across global markets." Economics

Memory hook

SYSTEMIC affects the whole SYSTEM. Systemic = Whole-system spread.

When not to use

Do not confuse with 'systematic', which means methodical or done according to a plan.

Fun facts

Systemic circulation is the part of the cardiovascular system that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to every body tissue except the lungs.