hybrid

[hahy-brid]

noun

1. the offspring of two animals or plants of different breeds, varieties, species, or genera, especially as produced through human manipulation for specific genetic characteristics.

2. a person or group of persons produced by the interaction or crossbreeding of two unlike cultures, traditions, etc.

3. anything derived from heterogeneous sources, or composed of elements of different or incongruous kinds.

   a hybrid of the academic and business worlds.

4. a word composed of elements originally drawn from different languages, as television, whose components come from Greek and Latin.

5. 1. something that is powered by more than one source of power.

      a wind-solar hybrid to generate electricity.

   2. a car or other vehicle that combines an internal-combustion engine with one or more electric motors powered by a battery.

      She says she's proud to be driving a hybrid.

adjective

1. bred from two distinct breeds, varieties, species, or genera.

   Antonyms: thoroughbred, purebred

2. composite; formed or composed of heterogeneous elements.

3. composed of elements originally drawn from different languages, as a word.

4. powered by more than one source of power.

   It is hoped that hybrid buses will reduce urban air pollution.

hybrid

/ ˈhaɪbrɪd /

noun

1. an animal or plant resulting from a cross between genetically unlike individuals. Hybrids between different species are usually sterile

2. anything of mixed ancestry

3. a vehicle that is powered by an internal-combustion engine and another source of power such as a battery

4. a word, part of which is derived from one language and part from another, such as monolingual, which has a prefix of Greek origin and a root of Latin origin

adjective

1. (of a vehicle) powered by more than one source

2. denoting or being a hybrid; of mixed origin

3. physics (of an electromagnetic wave) having components of both electric and magnetic field vectors in the direction of propagation

4. electronics

   1. (of a circuit) consisting of transistors and valves

   2. (of an integrated circuit) consisting of one or more fully integrated circuits and other components, attached to a ceramic substrate Compare monolithic

hybrid

1. An organism that is the offspring of two parents that differ in one or more inheritable characteristics, especially the offspring of two different varieties of the same species or the offspring of two parents belonging to different species. In agriculture and animal husbandry, hybrids of different varieties and species are bred in order to combine the favorable characteristics of the parents. Hybrids often display hybrid vigor. The mule, which is the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse, is an example of a hybrid. It is strong for its size and has better endurance and a longer useful lifespan than its parents. However, mules are sterile, as are many animals that are hybrids between two species.

Other Word Forms

• hybridism noun
• hybridity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hybrid¹

First recorded in 1595–1605, hybrid is from the Latin word hybrida, hibrida “a crossbred animal”

Word History and Origins

Origin of hybrid¹

C17: from Latin hibrida offspring of a mixed union (human or animal)

Synonym Study

Hybrid, mongrel refer to animals or plants of mixed origin. Hybrid is the scientific term: hybrid corn; a hybrid variety of sheep. Mongrel, used originally of dogs to denote the offspring of crossings of different breeds, is now extended to other animals and to plants; it is usually deprecatory, as denoting mixed, nondescript, or degenerate breed or character: a mongrel pup.

Example Sentences

Norway, Estonia, Poland, Bulgaria and Romania have all been subjected to hybrid warfare in recent weeks.

From BBC

Russia's hybrid attacks are a large part of the problem for Sandu's PAS, but not all of it.

From BBC

In a strategic shift, Porsche said an upcoming line of sport utility vehicles, originally planned as fully electric, will now launch exclusively with combustion engines and plug-in hybrid options.

From BBC

Electric or hybrid planes could have environmental benefits, but again the technology is in its early stages – and battery-powered planes are not currently thought to be a viable option for long-haul flights.

From BBC

Just as hybrid cars were a stepping stone towards electric vehicles; plane-makers are now also experimenting with hybrid technology.

From BBC

Related Words

• amalgam 
• combination