Hybrid
/ˈhaɪbrɪd/
Definitions
2 meaningsAn offspring resulting from the crossbreeding of two different species or varieties.
/ˈhaɪbrɪd/
Offspring of two different species or varieties.
The scientists created a new hybrid of wheat that is resistant to disease.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a plant that's a mix of two different types of flowers. That's a hybrid! It has features from both.
👶 For kids: A hybrid is like a mix of two different kinds of animals or plants, like a cat that's part lion.
More Examples
The liger, a hybrid of a lion and a tiger, is a rare animal.
He bought a hybrid car to reduce his carbon footprint.
How It's Used
"The mule is a hybrid offspring of a donkey and a horse."
"Scientists are developing new corn hybrids to increase crop yields."
Of mixed character; composed of two or more different elements.
/ˈhaɪbrɪd/
Composed of two different sources or components.
The company is developing a hybrid approach to education, combining online and in-person learning.
💡 Simply: Something that combines two different things is a hybrid. Like a car that runs on gas and electricity.
👶 For kids: When something has two parts, it's like a hybrid. Like a car that uses gas and electricity.
More Examples
Their music is a hybrid of jazz and classical influences.
We are aiming to use a hybrid cloud infrastructure.
How It's Used
"Hybrid cars use both gasoline and electric motors."
"Her style is a hybrid of traditional and modern techniques."
Idioms & expressions
hybrid vigor
Increased growth, size, or yield in hybrids compared to their parents.
"Farmers aim to achieve hybrid vigor in their crops to maximize yields."
From Latin *hybrida*, referring to the offspring of a tame sow and a wild boar. Extended metaphorically to describe anything of mixed origin.
The term 'hybrid' has been used since the early 17th century, initially in biology to refer to the offspring of different species or varieties, and later extended to describe combinations of different things.
Memory tip
Think of a mixed-breed dog – it's a hybrid of different breeds.