I. ˈmōˌnad sometimes ˈmäˌ- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Late Latin monad-, monas unit, monad, from Greek, from monos sole, lone, single + -ad-, -as -ad — more at monk
1.
a. : a unit in Greek philosophy constituting the number one or an individual ; specifically : a metaphysical entity (as the One or an atom)
b. : a metaphysical entity in the philosophy of Giordano Bruno that differs from the Democritean atom in being spatially extended and psychically sensitive
c. : a spiritual being, substance, or soul in Leibnizian philosophy that is unextended, indivisible, indestructible, and impenetrable and a center of force from which property all the physical properties of matter are derived — see monadism
d. : a similar hypothetical indivisible unit possessing both physical and mental characteristics of various kinds
2. : a minute simple organism or organic unit: as
a. : zoospore
b. : a flagellate protozoan ; especially : a member of Monas or a related genus
3. : an univalent element, atom, or radical
II. adjective
: of the nature of a monad