A group of three related people or things. In music, a chord of three notes.
From Greek 'trias' meaning 'group of three,' from 'treis' meaning 'three.' The term entered English in the 17th century through Latin 'trias.'
The word 'triad' has taken on a somewhat sinister connotation due to Chinese criminal organizations, but musically it's the foundation of harmony! Every major and minor chord you hear is built on this simple three-note structure that creates the backbone of Western music.
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