noun
triad
A Chinese organized criminal society.
Police investigate the triad's role in an illegal gambling operation.
Etymology
The English group-name refers to the threefold symbolism associated with such societies, traditionally heaven, earth, and humanity. It later became closely associated with organized crime.
More examples
- The report traced links between several triads.
- A former triad member testified at the trial.
- The fictional detective pursued a powerful triad.
Forms
triad · triads
Similar words
- syndicate
- The broader organized-crime grouping without the Chinese association.
- gang
- Gang is broader and lacks the specific Chinese organizational tradition.