hybrid

Etymology

Known in English since 1601, but rare before c.1850. From Latin hybrida, a variant of hibrida (“a mongrel; specifically, offspring of a tame sow and a wild boar”).

noun

1. (biology) Offspring resulting from cross-breeding different entities, e.g. two different species or two purebred parent strains.
2. Something of mixed origin or composition; often, a tool or technology that combines the benefits of formerly separate tools or technologies.
   1. (linguistics) A word whose elements are derived from different languages.
   2. A hybrid vehicle (especially a car), one that runs on both fuel (gasoline/diesel) and electricity (battery or energy from the sun).
      All our family drive hybrids because they're greener.
   3. (cycling) A bicycle that is a compromise between a road bike and a mountain bike.
   4. (golf) A golf club that combines the characteristics of an iron and a wood.
   5. An electronic circuit constructed of individual devices bonded to a substrate or PCB.
   6. A computer that is part analog computer and part digital computer.

adj

1. Consisting of diverse components.
   a hybrid mix of jazz and punk
2. (of a car) Running on both fuel (gasoline/diesel) and electricity (battery or energy from the sun).
   Brooklyn has opted for hybrid SUVs, at least, to show environmental consciousness. 2022, N. K. Jemisin, The World We Make, Orbit, page 270