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

/ hī′brĭd /

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.

Derived Forms

• ˈhybridism, noun
• hyˈbridity, 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

Though the album’s sound recalls the hybrid that rocketed Yoakam to stardom, its lyrical storytelling invites the listener to experience his life in the present.

From Los Angeles Times

His partner took a hybrid approach using breast milk and formula, and eventually went with just formula.

From BBC

“Grindr team members work from one of our offices just two days per week under our hybrid work model, and our decision to transition from fully remote to hybrid work in 2023 predated the union election petition. It was only after it was known that the transition back to in-office work was underway that some employees began signing union cards,” Grindr spokesperson Emily Wright said in statement.

From Los Angeles Times

The second former employee, Leo Feldman, said he was not given an opportunity to commit to the hybrid work plan and alleges his involvement with the union was behind the decision to fire him from his job as product manager.

From Los Angeles Times

And, on Friday, chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the PCB is not prepared to accept a hybrid solution.

From BBC

Related Words

• amalgam
• combination