mo
nad
Plural
monads
1
a unicellular microorganism
- The biologist observed a monad under the microscope.
- Water samples revealed several monads swimming freely.
- Amoebas are a type of monad.
- The pond teemed with monads in the early summer.
- Each monad carries out all essential life processes independently.
2
a fundamental, indivisible entity or substance, often associated with Leibnizian philosophy, possessing inherent characteristics and reflecting the entire universe from its unique perspective
- In Leibniz's philosophy, monads are considered the ultimate building blocks of reality, each expressing a unique perspective on the entire universe.
- The idea of monads influenced later philosophical discussions on individuality, perception, and the nature of existence.
- The concept of monads has been debated and adapted in various philosophical traditions, influencing discussions on mind-body dualism and metaphysics.
- Leibniz's vision of monads as windowless entities emphasizes their self-contained nature and unique perspectives on the unfolding universe.
- Monadology, Leibniz's philosophical treatise, explores the nature of monads and their role in the harmonious pre-established order of the universe.
Synonyms:
3
an atom capable of forming one chemical bond
- Hydrogen is a monad because it forms a single bond.
- The reaction involved a monad combining with a diatomic molecule.
- Chemists often refer to sodium as a monad in ionic compounds.
- Each monad contributes one electron to the shared bond.
- The monads were arranged in a simple linear structure.