Search the Dictionary

A representation of sounds by distinctive characters; commonly, a system of shorthand writing invented by Isaac Pitman, or a modification of his system, much used by reporters.

One of the followers of Quesnay of France, who, in the 18th century, founded a system of political economy based upon the supremacy of natural order. F. A. Walker. -- Phys`i*o*crat"ic, a.

The science of describing plants in a systematic manner; also, a description of plants.

s a white amorphous or crystalline substance which has a peculiar effect on the vasomotor system.

To destroy the central nervous system of (an animal, as a frog), as by passing a stout wire or needle up and down the vertebral canal.

Having reference to the placenta; as, the placentary system of classification.

ed from a comet by the absence of a coma, and by having a less eccentric orbit. See Solar system.

Consisting of planets; as, a planetary system.

rinciples upon which a person, a sect, or a party proposes to stand; a declared policy or system; as, the Saybrook platform; a political platform. "The platform of Geneva." Hooker.

ssive fullness of the blood vessels; repletion; that state of the blood vessels or of the system when the blood exceeds a healthy standard in quantity; hyperæmia; -- opposed to anæmia.

The system of equations required for the complete expression of the relations which exist between a set of quantities. Brande & C.

To supply, as a building, with a system of plumbing.

Of, pertaining to, or designating, the system of the Plutonists; igneous; as, the Plutonic theory. Plutonic action (Geol.), the influence of volcanic heat and other subterranean forces under pressure. -- Plutonic rocks (Geol.), granite, porphyry, and some other igneous rocks, supposed to have consolidated from a melte…

an, by causing compressed air from the wind chest to move them. -- Pneumatic dispatch, a system of tubes, leading to various points, through which letters, packages, etc., are sent, by the flow and pressure of air. -- Pneumatic elevator, a hoisting machine worked by compressed air. -- Pneumatic pile, a tubular pile…

e for the size of type bodies, being one twelfth of the thickness of pica type. See Point system of type, under Type.

An alphabet for the blind with a system of raised points corresponding to letters.

One who writes in support of one opinion, doctrine, or system, in opposition to another; one skilled in polemics; a controversialist; a disputant. The sarcasms and invectives of the young polemic. Macaulay.

A judicial and executive system, for the government of a city, town, or district, for the preservation of rights, order, cleanliness, health, etc., and for the enforcement of the laws and prevention of crime; the administration of the laws and regulations of a city, incorporated town, or borough.

ed method by which the government and affairs of a nation are, or may be, administered; a system of public or official administration, as designed to promote the external or internal prosperity of a state.

Sagacious in promoting a policy; ingenious in devising and advancing a system of management; devoted to a scheme or system rather than to a principle; hence, in a good sense, wise; prudent; sagacious; and in a bad sense, artful; unscrupulous; cunning; -- said of persons. Politic with my friend, smooth with mine enemy.…