English Reference
Noun

triad

n. countable
C1 Advanced US /ˈtɹaɪˌæd/ UK /tɹˈaɪæd/ tri·ad UK spelling triads Electronics Music

n.a group of three things or people that are connected in some way. In music, it is a chord made of three different notes.

n.a group or set of three related people or things. In music theory, it refers specifically to a chord consisting of three distinct pitches, typically built in thirds.


SIMPLE

The song starts with a simple major triad on the piano.

CONTEXTUAL

The study focused on the triad of factors—poverty, lack of education, and poor health—that contribute to the cycle of inequality.

COMPLEX

The composer utilizes a series of dissonant triads to create a sense of unease before resolving the piece into a harmonious major key during the final movement.

Usage

Often used in academic or technical contexts to describe a structural relationship between three elements.

They form highly organized structures called triads, where each T-tubule is flanked by two compartments of the sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Phys.org· 3 Sept 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated