dyad

UK: ˈdaɪ.æd | US: ˈdaɪ.æd

Definition
  1. n. a pair of two individuals or elements considered as a unit

  2. n. (mathematics) a set of two elements or numbers

  3. n. (biology) a secondary segment of a chromosome

Structure
dy <two>ad <noun suffix>
Etymology

dyad = dy<two> + ad<noun suffix>

  • dy<two>: From Greek dyo (δύο), meaning "two."
  • ad<noun suffix>: A suffix forming nouns, often indicating a collective or unit (e.g., triad, monad).

Etymology Origin:
The word dyad originates from Greek dyas (δυάς), meaning "a group of two." It entered English via Late Latin dyas and was influenced by the suffix -ad, which denotes a unit or collective. The term reflects the Indo-European root dwo-, shared by words like dual and duet, emphasizing the concept of pairing or duality.

Examples
  1. The research focused on the dyad of teacher and student interactions.

  2. In chemistry, a dyad refers to a bivalent element or radical.

  3. The therapist observed the dyad during the counseling session.

  4. The musical piece was composed as a dyad for violin and cello.

  5. Chromosome analysis revealed an unusual dyad formation.