系統
けいとう · keitou · JLPT N2 · noun
system
🧬🌳 系 = tie/connect + 統 = unify/govern; a system ties parts into one whole
系 means a line or lineage tying things together. 統 means to unify. Together they describe a connected whole, and the same character pair gives 'genealogy', a line of descent tied together.
系 — silk radical 糸 with a stroke on top
Originally a pictograph of a hand holding silk threads, showing connection or lineage. The character depicts threads being tied together, which gave rise to meanings like 'system,' 'lineage,' and 'to connect.' It later became used for organized sequences or relationships.