dyad

[ dahy-ad ]

noun

1. a group of two; couple; pair.
2. Biology.
   1. a secondary morphological unit, consisting of two monads:

      a chromosome dyad.

   2. the double chromosomes resulting from the separation of the four chromatids of a tetrad.
3. Chemistry. an element, atom, or group having a valence of two. Compare monad, triad ( def 2a ).
4. Mathematics. two vectors with no symbol connecting them, usually considered as an operator.
5. Sociology.
   1. two persons involved in an ongoing relationship or interaction.
   2. the relationship or interaction itself.

adjective

1. of two parts; dyadic.

dyad

/ ˈdaɪæd /

noun

1. maths an operator that is the unspecified product of two vectors. It can operate on a vector to produce either a scalar or vector product
2. an atom or group that has a valency of two
3. a group of two; couple

Word History and Origins

Origin of dyad¹

First recorded in 1665–75; from Greek dyad- (stem of dyás ) “pair,” equivalent to dý(o) “two” + -ad- noun suffix; two, -ad ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of dyad¹

C17: from Late Latin dyas, from Greek duas two, a pair

Example Sentences

Does he mean that the non-hetero-dyad family is a “political notion”?

From The Daily Beast

Back in 1980, when they met at a furniture store in Dallas, Hill and Wilson were a confirmed dyad for 10 years.

From The Daily Beast

Some Dyad was then produced, which the respondent did not know to be a Dyad; accordingly he did not know it to be even.

From Project Gutenberg

The respondent was asked, Do you know that every Dyad is even?

From Project Gutenberg

When you say a line, do you mean a dyad in length Form in Matter?

From Project Gutenberg

Two, or the dyad, is the origin of contrasts and separation, and is an evil principle.

From Project Gutenberg

What is to become two, must partake of the Dyad: what is to become one, of the Monad.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• combination
• couple
• duo
• match
• team
• two