1. Plural of octad; groups or sets of eight.
Usage: Most common in scientific and mathematical contexts.
2. In chemistry, atoms or groups with a valence of eight, or elements that form eight bonds.
Usage: Technical; used in chemistry and biochemistry.
3. In biology, a group of eight cells produced by division, especially in certain organisms.
Usage: Technical; used in cell biology and microbiology.

Examples

• The data was organized into octads for easier analysis.
• In chemistry, octads refer to atoms that can form eight covalent bonds.
• The microscope revealed octads of cells arranged in a regular pattern.
• The researcher divided the samples into octads for the experiment.
• Octads of electrons are important in understanding atomic structure.