etymology - What do I call a word with roots from multiple languages?


As best as I can tell, a good example is sociopath:



sociopath — from socio- on model of psychopath


socio- — combining form of [Latin] socius


pathos — from [Greek] pathos



Hence, sociopath is a word coined from roots found in two different languages. Is there a good term that describes this?



Answer



I came across the term "hybrid word" when I was researching quadraphonic (which is one). This phrase would work for your situation.


Plus, "sociopath" is listed as an example of a hybrid word in the linked page.


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