ENGLISH
REFERENCE

prius

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈpɹaɪəs// prius

n. a popular type of car that uses both gasoline and electricity to save fuel. It is well-known for being environmentally friendly and quiet.

n. a hybrid electric vehicle manufactured by Toyota, often cited as the first mass-produced hybrid car. When used as a common noun, it refers to the specific model or similar hybrid vehicles.


SIMPLE

She drives a Prius to save money on gas.

CONTEXTUAL

The city replaced its older fleet of sedans with the Prius to reduce carbon emissions and fuel costs.

COMPLEX

While the Prius was once the primary symbol of green motoring, it now competes in a diverse market of fully electric and plug-in hybrid alternatives.

Usage

Often used as a proper noun (capitalised), though it may appear in lowercase when referring to the vehicle type generically.

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