Hybrid: meaning, definitions and examples

🚗

Add to dictionary

hybrid

[ˈhaɪbrɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

car technology

A hybrid is a vehicle that uses two or more distinct types of power, such as internal combustion engine and electric motor, to move.

Synonyms

combined, dual, mixed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hybrid	Used to describe something that is a combination of two different elements, often seen in technology, cars, and plants. It has a positive connotation, implying the best features of both elements. The new hybrid car uses both electric and gasoline engines The hybrid plant is resistant to diseases
mixed	Used when different elements are combined together, but not necessarily in a harmonious or optimal way. Often has a neutral or slightly negative connotation. The survey results were mixed, showing both positive and negative feedback He had mixed feelings about leaving his hometown
combined	Typically used to describe the amalgamation of more than one element or factor, often in a broad or general sense. It can apply to various fields from statistics to culinary arts. The combined efforts of the team led to a successful project The combined ingredients make a delicious soup
dual	Refers specifically to something that has two parts or functions. Commonly used in the context of roles, systems, or devices. She holds dual citizenship in both Canada and France This phone has a dual camera system

Examples of usage

She drives a hybrid car to reduce fuel consumption.
Many car manufacturers are focusing on developing hybrid vehicles for a more eco-friendly future.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

biology

A hybrid is the offspring resulting from the crossbreeding of two genetically different individuals or varieties.

Synonyms

cross, crossbreed, mixture.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hybrid	Use when referring to something that is made from a combination of different elements, especially in the context of biology (plants, animals) or technology (cars, software). The car is a hybrid, combining an electric motor with a traditional gasoline engine. This plant is a hybrid of two different species.
crossbreed	Typically used when talking about animals, indicating that the animal has parents from different breeds or species. Often used in the context of pet breeding or livestock. She owns a crossbreed dog that is part German Shepherd and part Labrador. Crossbreed cattle are often more productive.
mixture	Used when referring to a blend of different components or substances. Can be used in many contexts such as cooking, chemistry, or even describing groups of people or ideas. The recipe requires a mixture of flour, sugar, and eggs. Their team is a mixture of experienced professionals and fresh graduates.
cross	Usually used in the context of breeding, where two different breeds or species are intentionally combined. Can also mean a mix between characteristics in general. The farmer decided to cross a cow and a buffalo to create a more resilient breed. Her accent is a cross between British and Australian English.

Examples of usage

The hybrid plant exhibited characteristics of both parent species.
The hybrid animal possesses a combination of traits from both parent species.

^{Context #3 | Adjective}

general

Hybrid refers to something that is a mixture or combination of two different elements.

Synonyms

combined, composite, mixed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hybrid	Describes something made by combining two different elements, often used in genetics, technology, and vehicles. The Prius is a popular hybrid car The scientist created a hybrid plant species
mixed	Indicates that different elements are blended together, often used for groups of people, feelings, or categories. The crowd had mixed reactions to the announcement He has mixed ancestry from different regions
combined	Refers to something made by putting two or more things together, emphasizing unity or cooperation. Their combined efforts led to a successful project The software combines several tools in one application
composite	Used to describe something made up of various parts or elements, often in engineering or art. It may imply complexity. The artist created a composite image from several photographs Engineers used composite materials for the new bridge

Examples of usage

The new smartphone is a hybrid model, combining features of both a phone and a tablet.
This dish is a hybrid of Asian and European cuisine.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'hybrida,' which referred to the offspring of a tame and wild animal.
Initially used in the context of biology, it has expanded to various fields like technology, culture, and more.

Science

In biology, a hybrid organism can result from the breeding of two different species, such as a mule, which is a cross between a horse and a donkey.
Hybrid plants are often bred for desirable traits like higher yield or disease resistance, such as hybrid corn or tomatoes.

Technology

Hybrid technology can refer to devices like smartphones, which combine the functions of a phone and a computer.
In the field of computing, a hybrid cloud utilizes both private and public cloud resources for greater flexibility.

Culture

Culinary hybrids, like the Cronut, combine two different types of pastries into one delicious treat.
In music, genres like country-pop are hybrids, blending elements of traditional country with contemporary pop influences.

Environment

Hybrid vehicles aim to reduce emissions by using both a gasoline engine and an electric motor.
Hybrid ecosystems can refer to environments where both natural and artificial elements coexist, like urban parks.

Translations

Translations of the word "hybrid" in other languages:

🇵🇹 híbrido

🇮🇳 संकर

🇩🇪 Hybrid

Mischform
Kreuzung

🇮🇩 hibrida

🇺🇦 гібрид

🇵🇱 hybryda

🇯🇵 ハイブリッド

🇫🇷 hybride

🇪🇸 híbrido

🇹🇷 hibrit

🇰🇷 잡종

🇸🇦 هجين

🇨🇿 hybrid

🇸🇰 hybrid

🇨🇳 混合

🇸🇮 hibrid

🇮🇸 blendingur

🇰🇿 гибрид

🇬🇪 ჰიბრიდი

🇦🇿 hibrid

🇲🇽 híbrido

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,898 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
5895 conquest
5896 misery
5897 talents
5898 hybrid
5899 dismissal
5901 elite
...