/
ˈmɒnad,
ˈməʊ-/
n.
- technical a single unit; the number one.
- Philosophy (in the philosophy of Leibniz) an indivisible and hence ultimately simple entity, e.g. an atom or a person.
- Biology, dated a single-celled organism or a single cell.
Derivative
- monadic adj.
- monadism n. (Philosophy ).
Etymology
C17: via late L. from Gk monas, monad- ‘unit’, from monos ‘alone’.