dominance
UK: ˈdɒmɪnəns | US: ˈdɑːmɪnəns
n. the state or condition of being dominant; control or power over others
n. (biology) the predominance of one or more species in a particular ecological community
n. (genetics) the phenomenon whereby one allele of a gene masks the expression of another in the same gene pair
The root "domin" derives from Latin dominus (master, lord), reflecting authority or control. The suffix "-ance" (from Latin -antia) forms abstract nouns denoting a state or condition. Combined, "dominance" literally means "the state of being a master" or "having control." The term evolved through Old French dominance before entering English, retaining its core idea of supremacy or prevailing influence across contexts like biology and genetics.
The company's dominance in the tech industry is unchallenged.
Male lions assert dominance over their pride through physical displays.
The dominance of evergreen trees shapes the forest ecosystem.
In genetics, brown eye color often exhibits dominance over blue.
Her intellectual dominance made her the team's natural leader.