a monad is...

• a structure that represents computations defined as sequences of steps
• a parameterized type which is an instance of the Monad type class, which defines >>= along with a few other operators
• just a Monoid in the category of endofunctors
• not a burrito
• a structure that defines a way to combine (the results of) functions
• a construction that, given an underlying type system, embeds a corresponding type system (called the monadic type system) into it (that is, each monadic type acts as the underlying type)
• not a monster
• a way to wrap stuff, then operate on the wrapped stuff without unwrapping it
• a special kind of a functor
• a functor equipped with a pair of natural transformations satisfying the laws of associativity and identity
• are obviously an extremely important concept in Haskell
• a very simple, yet extremely powerful thing
• a monoid where you blend the “oi” into an “a”
• a type constructor with a unit and a binding operation enjoying unit and associativity properties
• a monster
• like a burrito
• like a writing desk
• not a burrito
• like a dildo factory, stuffed with midgets