1
: pair
specifically, sociology
: two individuals (such as husband and wife) maintaining a sociologically significant relationship
2
genetics
: a meiotic chromosome after separation of the two homologous (see homologous sense 1a(2)) members of a tetrad
3
mathematics
: an operator (see operator sense 3a) indicated by writing the symbols of two vectors (see vector entry 1 sense 1a) without a dot or cross between
In the equation D = AB, AB is a dyad.
Examples of dyad in a Sentence
the book examines the doctor-patient dyad from several perspectives
Recent Examples on the Web
While about 90 percent of migratory bird species form stable dyads, about half of those last only for a breeding season.
—
Nathan H. Lents, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Apr. 2025
For her part, teasing out the threads of how two of the dyads within Axel, Freya, and Taylor’s triad have led to tragedy leads Elsbeth to let go of how her relationship with Kaya used to work to make room for Kaya and Cameron to flourish as a couple.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025
The league has existed as a Washington State-Oregon State dyad since August, when 10 of its dozen members officially absconded to other conferences.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 22 Dec. 2024
Most of the sharing dyads, almost 67 percent, were unrelated, so kinship also wasn’t a driving factor.
—Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 13 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for dyad
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Nathan H. Lents, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Apr. 2025
For her part, teasing out the threads of how two of the dyads within Axel, Freya, and Taylor’s triad have led to tragedy leads Elsbeth to let go of how her relationship with Kaya used to work to make room for Kaya and Cameron to flourish as a couple.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025
The league has existed as a Washington State-Oregon State dyad since August, when 10 of its dozen members officially absconded to other conferences.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 22 Dec. 2024
Most of the sharing dyads, almost 67 percent, were unrelated, so kinship also wasn’t a driving factor.
—Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 13 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for dyad
Cite this Entry
“Dyad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dyad. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
dyad
noun
dy·ad
1
: two individuals (as husband and wife) maintaining a sociologically significant relationship
2
: a meiotic chromosome after separation of the two homologous members of a tetrad
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