The process of combining two different species, varieties, or elements to create a hybrid offspring or product. In chemistry, refers to the mixing of atomic orbitals.
From Latin 'hybrida' meaning 'mongrel' or 'offspring of mixed parentage,' possibly from Greek 'hubris' (outrage against nature). The scientific use developed in the 18th century with plant breeding, while the chemical orbital theory meaning emerged in the 20th century with quantum chemistry.
Hybridization gave us some of our most beloved foods - without it, we wouldn't have seedless grapes, navel oranges, or even corn as we know it! Ancient corn was tiny and barely edible until thousands of years of careful hybridization by indigenous Americans transformed it into the golden kernels we enjoy today.
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