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
Perhaps even the relationship, the dusty old dyad of man and woman, was now slightly antique.
—
James Marcus, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025
Worse, a third nuclear superpower, China, is turning the former dyad into a triad.
—Andreas Kluth, Twin Cities, 17 Aug. 2025
Though the study reviewed emotional availability in parent–child dyads, researchers highlight that the principle can be used in all relationships, romantic or otherwise, where the emotional relationship between two people is crucial.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for dyad
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James Marcus, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025
Worse, a third nuclear superpower, China, is turning the former dyad into a triad.
—Andreas Kluth, Twin Cities, 17 Aug. 2025
Though the study reviewed emotional availability in parent–child dyads, researchers highlight that the principle can be used in all relationships, romantic or otherwise, where the emotional relationship between two people is crucial.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for dyad
Cite this Entry
“Dyad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dyad. Accessed 4 Nov. 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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