dominant

[ dom-uh-nuhnt ]
/ ˈdɒm ə nənt /

adjective

noun

Origin of dominant

1525–35; < Latin dominant- (stem of domināns, present participle of dominārī to dominate), equivalent to domin(us) master + -ant- -ant

synonym study for dominant

1. Dominant, predominant, paramount, preeminent describe something outstanding. Dominant describes something that is most influential or important: the dominant characteristics of monkeys. Predominant describes something that is dominant over all others, or is more widely prevalent: Curiosity is the predominant characteristic of monkeys. Paramount applies to something that is first in rank or order: Safety is of paramount importance. Preeminent applies to a prominence based on recognition of excellence: His work was of preeminent quality.

OTHER WORDS FROM dominant

dom·i·nant·ly, adverb non·dom·i·nant, adjective, noun

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH dominant

dominant dominate domineer

Example sentences from the Web for dominant

British Dictionary definitions for dominant

dominant
/ (ˈdɒmɪnənt) /

adjective

noun

Derived forms of dominant

dominantly, adverb

Medical definitions for dominant

dominant
[ dŏmə-nənt ]

adj.

Exercising the most influence or control.
Of, relating to, or being an allele that produces the same phenotypic effect whether inherited with a homozygous or heterozygous allele.

n.

A dominant allele or trait.
An organism having a dominant trait.

Scientific definitions for dominant

dominant
[ dŏmə-nənt ]

Relating to the form of a gene that expresses a trait, such as hair color, in an individual organism. The dominant form of a gene overpowers the counterpart, or recessive, form located on the other of a pair of chromosomes.
Relating to the trait expressed by such a gene. See more at inheritance. Compare recessive.
Being a species that has the greatest effect within its ecological community, especially by determining the presence, abundance, or type of other species. As a plant community progresses through stages of succession, different species may become dominant for a period until the climax community is reached, at which point the dominant species remains stable until a major disruption occurs. Among animals, the dominant species in a community is generally the top predator or the most abundant or widespread species.
Being an animal that occupies the highest position in a social hierarchy and has the greatest access to resources such as food and a mate or mates. Social dominance is gained and maintained through factors such as size and aggressiveness.