Word
triad
Phoneticstri·ad, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtɹaɪˌæd/
UK/tɹˈaɪæd/
Countable noun
Definition
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.
Examples
“The song starts with a simple major triad on the piano.”
“The study focused on the triad of factors—poverty, lack of education, and poor health—that contribute to the cycle of inequality.”
“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.”
Examples
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.
Real-World Examples
“They form highly organized structures called triads, where each T-tubule is flanked by two compartments of the sarcoplasmic reticulum.” Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/triad