systemic
adjectiveUK /sɪˈstiːmɪk/
US /sɪˈstɛmɪk/
affecting the whole body or whole system, not just one small part.
The infection became systemic and spread throughout her body.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. relating to a whole system rather than individual parts.
The report identified systemic problems in the education system.
3. built into or affecting an entire organization or society.
Systemic racism affects many institutions.
4. relating to the body's circulatory or whole-body functions in medicine.
The doctor prescribed a systemic treatment rather than a topical cream.