n. & adj.
--n.
1. Biol. the offspring of two plants or animals of different species or varieties.
2 often offens. a person of mixed racial or cultural origin.
3 a thing composed of incongruous elements, e.g. a word with parts taken from different languages.
--adj.
1. bred as a hybrid from different species or varieties.
2 Biol. heterogeneous.
Phrases and idioms:
hybrid vigour heterosis.
Derivatives:
hybridism n. hybridity n.
Etymology: L hybrida, (h)ibrida offspring of a tame sow and wild boar, child of a freeman and slave, etc.