monad

[ mon-ad, moh-nad ]

noun

1. Biology.
   1. any simple, single-celled organism.
   2. any of various small, flagellate, colorless ameboids with one to three flagella, especially of the genus Monas.
2. Chemistry. an element, atom, or group having a valence of one. Compare dyad ( def 3 ), triad ( def 2a ).
3. Philosophy.
   1. (in the metaphysics of Leibniz) an unextended, indivisible, and indestructible entity that is the basic or ultimate constituent of the universe and a microcosm of it.
   2. (in the philosophy of Giordano Bruno) a basic and irreducible metaphysical unit that is spatially and psychically individuated.
   3. any basic metaphysical entity, especially having an autonomous life.
4. a single unit or entity.

monad

/ ˈmɒnæd; ˈməʊ- /

noun

1. -ads-ades-əˌdiːz philosophy
   1. any fundamental singular metaphysical entity, esp if autonomous
   2. (in the metaphysics of Leibnitz) a simple indestructible nonspatial element regarded as the unit of which reality consists
   3. (in the pantheistic philosophy of Giordano Bruno) a fundamental metaphysical unit that is spatially extended and psychically aware
2. a single-celled organism, esp a flagellate protozoan
3. an atom, ion, or radical with a valency of one

Derived Forms

• moˈnadical, adjective
• moˈnadically, adverb

Other Words From

• mo·nad·ic [m, uh, -, nad, -ik], mo·nadi·cal mo·nadal adjective
• mo·nadi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of monad¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from Late Latin monad- (stem of monas), from Greek monás (stem monád- ) “unity, monad”; mon-, -ad ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of monad¹

C17: from Late Latin monas, from Greek: unit, from monos alone

Example Sentences

On view through Feb. 18, 2018, "Salon des Refusés" features works from the last five years and consists of three different series: Madwoman in the Attic/Madness in the Gaze, which explores the mental realm; Gender Renaissance, which explores the physical realm; and Monad, which explores the spiritual realm.

From Los Angeles Times

The second step is to refuse to be a monad.

From Seattle Times

Each monad has its own destiny, and it acts and moves entirely of its own accord.

From The New Yorker

Several of these "cleaning stations" are used by the sharks around Monad Shoal.

From National Geographic

The Belle Rose hit Monad Shoal in June, damaging a protected reef.

From National Geographic