prius

¹

[ prahy-uhs ]

adjective

1. (in prescriptions) before; former.

Prius

²

[ pree-uhs ]

noun

, Trademark.

, plural Prius, Prii [pree, -ahy].

1. a brand of hybrid car, one of the first commercially successful, that runs at lower speeds on an electric motor powered by a battery pack, and at higher speeds on a gasoline engine, which can also recharge the battery.

Word History and Origins

Origin of prius¹

Borrowed into English from Latin around 1890–95

Origin of prius²

1997; from the Latin prius meaning “coming before”; also related to such English words as “prior” and “primary”

Example Sentences

But even on her engagement anniversary, that was low on her list of concerns as she drove her Prius through orange smoke and falling, flaming branches.

From Los Angeles Times

“About 30% of the cars we are bringing right now, is hybrid. It is not fully electric, but it's hybrid like Toyota Prius. The growth rate is off the charts, it's like 300 – 400% rate quarter over quarter.”

From BBC

Cacciotti, who is also the vice chair of the South Coast Air Quality Management District, said he bought a Toyota Prius that is still running strong after 20 years and 188,000 miles.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s no longer a question of deciding between a Prius versus a Model Y, or figuring out a comfortable size for your ride.

From Slate

Multiple people called 911 shortly after 9:45 p.m. to report seeing a Tesla driving southbound through a red light at Central Avenue North and East Smith Street, then hitting a gray Toyota Prius in the intersection, and then hitting a red Toyota Prius as it was leaving a restaurant parking lot, Kent police said in the statement.

From Seattle Times