I. sə̇ˈstemik, -mēk adjective
Etymology: system + -ic
: of, relating to, or common to a system: as
a. : affecting the body generally — distinguished from local
systemic death
systemic wilt in plants
b. : supplying those parts of the body that receive blood through the aorta rather than the pulmonary artery
c. : being a pesticide which as used is harmless to a plant or higher animal but when absorbed into the sap or blood stream makes the whole organism toxic to pests (as aphids, mites, or cattle grubs)
II. noun
( -s )
: a systemic pesticide