I. ˈhībrə̇d, substand -|bred noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin hybrida animal whose parents belong to different varieties or to different species, person whose parents belong to different ethnic groups, probably of non-Indo-European origin; akin to the source of Latin imbr-, imber offspring of a tame sheep and a wild sheep
1. : an offspring of two animals or plants of different races, breeds, varieties, species, or genera ; specifically : an individual produced by union of gametes from parents of different genotype — compare crossbreed , mendel's law , mule
2. : a person or group produced by the blending of two diverse cultures or traditions
the cultural hybrid occupies a marginal position between two cultures
every civilized group … has been a hybrid — H.J.Muller
3.
a. : one that is heterogeneous in origin or composition : composite
most of the tools are original designs or hybrids evolved from established forms — Victor Boesen
the vice-president is a hybrid in the government, being both an executive and legislative officer — Arthur Krock
b. : loanblend
II. adjective
1.
a. : marked by heterogeneity in origin, composition, or appearance : composite
difficulties with normal English are … its hybrid vocabulary and the irregularities of English spelling — G.A.Miller
b. : being a linguistic hybrid
a hybrid term
2. : of, relating to, or resulting from the union of gametes from parents of different genotype
the high percentage of intermarriage, however, has made the population … racially hybrid — Current Biography
3. : having characteristics resulting from the blending of two diverse cultures or traditions
a remarkable hybrid culture in which Norse and Irish elements are inextricably combined — F.M.Stenton
III. noun
: something (as a power plant, vehicle, or electronic circuit) that has two different types of components performing essentially the same function
• hybrid adjective