1. Plural of monad; individual units or entities that are indivisible or fundamental.
Usage: philosophy; formal
2. In biology, single-celled organisms or microorganisms.
Usage: biology; technical

Examples

• Leibniz's philosophy proposed that monades are the basic building blocks of reality.
• The scientist observed several monades under the microscope.
• In metaphysics, monades represent indivisible substances.
• These monades exhibit properties that cannot be reduced to simpler components.
• The theory of monades influenced European philosophy in the 17th century.