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Definition

noun, plural: mongrels

(1) An animal of mixed or indeterminate breed, especially a dog.

(2) A plant resulting from the cross of different varieties.

adjective

Of or pertaining to an animal or plant of mixed kind or of uncertain origin.

Supplement

A mongrel is originally used to refer to a dog of unknown or mixed breed as opposed to purebred. The term is now used to denote other animals and plants of mixed or indeterminate breeds or varieties.

Word origin: Middle English, probably from mong, mixture.

Synonym: hybrid, mutt (colloquial, especially a mongrel dog).
Compare: purebred.