Prius

/ˈpriːəs/ noun

Definition

A brand name for a hybrid electric vehicle produced by Toyota, designed to use less fuel and produce fewer emissions.

Etymology

From Latin 'prius' meaning 'former' or 'earlier,' chosen by Toyota to suggest being ahead of or prior to conventional vehicles. Registered as a trademark in 1997.

Kelly Says

Toyota chose the name 'Prius' (Latin for 'first') because they wanted people to think of it as the future coming first—and it worked so well that people now use 'Prius' to mean any hybrid car!

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