triad

/ˌtraɪˈæd/

/ˈtraɪæd/

Other forms: triads

A triad is three things or people considered as one unit. A triad is a trio.

A triangle is a shape with three sides. Similarly, a triad is a set of three things or people. To be a triad, three individual parts must also be considered a unit. A band with three members is a triad. A business with three divisions is a triad. A family with three members is a triad. A book with three volumes is a triad (usually called a trilogy). Triads are also called threesomes and trios.

Definitions of triad

1. noun

   a set of three similar things considered as a unit
   synonyms: trio, triple, triplet

   examples:

   Trimurti

   the triad of divinities of later Hinduism

   types:

   trilogy

   a set of three literary or dramatic works related in subject or theme

   trigon, triplicity

   (astrology) one of four groups of the zodiac where each group consists of three signs separated from each other by 120 degrees

   type of:

   set

   a group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used
2. noun

   three people considered as a unit
   synonyms: threesome, trinity, trio

   types:

   triumvirate

   a group of three men responsible for public administration or civil authority

   troika

   a modern Russian triumvirate

   type of:

   assemblage, gathering

   a group of persons together in one place
3. noun

   a three-note major or minor chord; a note and its third and fifth tones
   synonyms: common chord

   type of:

   chord

   a combination of three or more notes that blend harmoniously when sounded together
4. noun

   the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
   synonyms: 3, III, deuce-ace, leash, tercet, ternary, ternion, terzetto, three, threesome, tierce, trey, trine, trinity, trio, triplet, troika

   type of:

   digit, figure

   one of the elements that collectively form a system of numeration