Short for combination, typically referring to a vehicle that serves multiple purposes (like a van) or a heating system that provides both heating and hot water. Common in British usage.
Abbreviated form of 'combination,' which comes from Latin 'combinare' meaning 'to unite two by two.' The shortened form 'combi' emerged in mid-20th century British English, particularly in automotive and heating contexts.
The Volkswagen 'Combi' van became an icon of 1960s counterculture, earning nicknames like 'hippie van' and 'bus.' Its official name reflected its combination of passenger and cargo space, but it combined much more—transportation, shelter, and symbol of freedom.
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