dominant
dominant Lexical Profile
dominant Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Most important, powerful, or influential in a given context, group, or system.
"The company has maintained a dominant position in the global software market for over a decade."
(In genetics) relating to a hereditary allele or trait that is expressed in the phenotype even when inherited from only one parent, masking the effect of a recessive allele.
"In classic Mendelian pea plant experiments, purple flower color is a dominant trait over white."
Towering above or overlooking surrounding landmarks or terrain; occupying a high, commanding position.
"The medieval fortress stood on a dominant ridge overlooking the entire valley."
• noun
(In music) the fifth scale degree of the diatonic scale, located a perfect fifth above the tonic, or the triad built upon this note.
"In the key of C major, the chord built on the dominant is G major, which naturally resolves back to the tonic."
A dominant genetic trait, allele, or ecological species that prevails over others in a population or habitat.
"Douglas firs are the primary dominants in this Pacific Northwest forest ecosystem."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse the adjective 'dominant' (pronounced DOM-uh-nuhnt) with the verb 'dominate' (pronounced DOM-uh-nayt); a common error is using 'dominate' where the adjective is required (e.g., writing 'the dominate species' instead of 'the dominant species').
• Rhymes for dominant
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 15th century from Old French dominant, from Latin dominantem, the present participle of dominari ('to rule, govern'), ultimately derived from dominus ('master, lord of the house') and domus ('house').