systemic

/səˈstɛmɪk/

/sɪsˈtɛmɪk/

Other forms: systemically

Something that's systemic affects all parts of something. If every dog at doggy daycare has fleas, it's a systemic problem.

The adjective systemic is often used to describe diseases or disorders; a systemic illness affects your whole body or an entire system — like your digestive system. Any kind of system can experience systemic problems. For example, crime is a systemic problem in a community because it affects everyone from individuals to families, businesses, and tourism, just to name a few groups harmed by the problem.

Definitions of systemic

1. adjective

   affecting an entire system
   “a systemic poison”

   synonyms:

   general

   affecting the entire body