proprietarysystem
nounUK /prəˈpraɪ.ə.tər.i ˈsɪs.təm/
US /prəˈpraɪ.ə.ter.i ˈsɪs.təm/
A proprietary system is a set of computer parts and programs that one company owns and controls.
The school's grading software is a proprietary system, so only the company that made it can change how it works.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A way of doing things that belongs to one company and is kept secret from others.
Their recipe is part of a proprietary system that no other bakery is allowed to use.
3. A machine or setup that only works with parts made by the same maker.
The printer uses a proprietary system, so you must buy ink from the same brand.
4. A set of rules or tools owned by a business rather than shared freely.
The game console runs on a proprietary system, which means other companies cannot make games for it without permission.