Final answer:
A 'expert system' is a computer-based application that uses human expertise to solve problems, and is a type of artificial intelligence that mimics human thought to solve complex problems.
Step-by-step explanation:
A expert system is a computer-based application that uses a representation of human expertise in a specialized field of knowledge to solve problems. Expert systems are part of artificial intelligence that aim to mimic human thought processes and are capable of reasoning and providing solutions to complex problems by applying a knowledge-based approach. They can be used in various applications, including medical diagnosis, financial decisions, and engineering tasks.
Expert systems are integral to the development of artificial intelligence, as they can efficiently handle human software interactions in complex automated systems, particularly facilitating the decision-making processes of workers supported by the software system. These knowledge-based systems draw from a pool of expertise about a particular area to provide reliable, consistent solutions.