diff --git a/spring-framework-reference/src/new-in-3.xml b/spring-framework-reference/src/new-in-3.xml
index 7b567e8fafb..d4a1ed8fe97 100644
--- a/spring-framework-reference/src/new-in-3.xml
+++ b/spring-framework-reference/src/new-in-3.xml
@@ -393,8 +393,8 @@ public class AppConfig {
       for type conversion, and may also be used by a Spring Container and DataBinder when
       binding bean property values.</para>
 
-      <para>In addition, a <link linkend="format">formatter</link> system
-      has been introduced for formatting field values. This system provides
+      <para>In addition, a <link linkend="format">formatter</link> SPI
+      has been introduced for formatting field values. This SPI provides
       a simpler and more robust alternative to JavaBean PropertyEditors for use in client
       environments such as Spring MVC.</para>
     </section>