monad

• Nom avec plusieurs sens spécialisés : en chimie, un atome monovalent ; en philosophie, une entité métaphysique simple et indivisible dont dérivent les propriétés matérielles ; en biologie, un micro-organisme unicellulaire, en particulier un protiste flagellé.

A noun with multiple specialized meanings: in chemistry, an atom with a valence of one; in philosophy, a singular metaphysical entity from which material properties derive; in biology, a single-celled microorganism, especially a flagellate protozoan.

1. Chemical unitC1formalscientific

   An atom or element with a valence of one, meaning it can form one chemical bond.

   Monade (chimie)

   • Hydrogen is a classic example of a monad in chemistry.
   • In the reaction, the monad readily bonded with the chlorine atom.
   • The chemist explained how a monad differs from a diad in molecular structure.

2. Metaphysical entityC2formal

   A fundamental, indivisible unit of reality from which all material properties and phenomena are thought to originate.

   monade (entité métaphysique)

   • Leibniz's philosophy describes the monad as a simple substance without parts.
   • Each monad reflects the entire universe from its own unique perspective.
   • The concept of the monad is central to understanding his metaphysical system.

   Synonymesatomsimpleunit

3. C1formalscientific

   A microscopic, single-celled organism, especially a flagellate protozoan.

   monade (organisme unicellulaire)

   • Under the microscope, the monad moved rapidly using its flagellum.
   • The biologist classified the organism as a type of monad.
   • Monads are often found in freshwater environments.

   Synonymesflagellatemicroorganism