dominant
dom·i·nant / ˈdämənənt/ • adj. most important, powerful, or influential: they are now in an even more dominant position in the market. ∎ (of a high place or object) overlooking others. ∎ Genetics relating to or denoting heritable characteristics that are controlled by genes that are expressed in offspring even when inherited from only one parent. Often contrasted with recessive. ∎ Ecol. denoting the predominant species in a plant (or animal) community. ∎ in decision theory, (of a choice) at least as good as the alternatives in all circumstances, and better in some: holding back is here a dominant strategy.• n. a dominant thing, in particular: ∎ Genetics a dominant trait or gene. ∎ Ecol. a dominant species in a plant (or animal) community. ∎ Mus. the fifth note of the diatonic scale of any key, or the key based on this, considered in relation to the key of the tonic.DERIVATIVES: dom·i·nant·ly adv.
