hybrid embryo

English

Noun

hybrid embryo (plural hybrid embryos)

1. An embryo resulting from the sperm of one species fertilising the egg of another.
   • 2008 May 19, David Batty, The Guardian:

     True hybrid embryos are the result of fertilising an egg with the sperm of another closely related species; for example, a mule is the hybrid offspring of a donkey and a horse.

2. Specifically, an embryo created artificially which combines human and animal DNA, in various proportions, for the purposes of medical research.
   • 2008 May 20, Nicholas Watt, The Guardian:

     MPs pushed back the boundaries of science last night when they voted to allow the creation of hybrid embryos, which have a combination of human and animal DNA, as well as "saviour siblings" to save sick children.