Anonad

/ˈænənæd/ noun

Definition

A term sometimes used to describe something consisting of or relating to a group of three, borrowed from ancient Greek numerology and mathematics.

Etymology

From Greek 'a-' (not) or 'ano-' (up) possibly combined with 'dyad' or 'monad,' though the exact etymology is uncertain and the term is rare. It may have been used in occult or Neoplatonic philosophy.

Kelly Says

This is an obscure word that reveals how English tried to create mathematical terms from Greek—we use 'monad' (one), 'dyad' (two), 'triad' (three) commonly, but 'anonad' never stuck! The history of failed language innovations is just as interesting as successful ones.

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