Definitions for Dominantˈdɒm ə nənt

Random House Webster's College Dictionary

dom•i•nant^*ˈdɒm ə nənt(adj.)

ruling or controlling; having or exerting authority.
occupying a commanding or elevated position.
predominant; chief or foremost.
Genetics. of or pertaining to that allele of a gene pair that masks the effect of the other when both are present in the same cell or organism. of or pertaining to the hereditary trait determined by such an allele.
Category: Genetics
pertaining to or based on the dominant in music.
Category: Music and Dance
(n.)Genetics. the dominant allele of a gene pair. the individual carrying such an allele. a dominant trait.
Category: Genetics
Ref: Compare recessive (def. 3). 4
the fifth tone of a diatonic scale.
Category: Music and Dance
Ecol. any plant or sometimes animal that by virtue of its abundance, size, or habits exerts such an influence on the conditions of an area as to determine what other organisms can live there.
Category: Ecology

^* Syn: dominant , predominant , paramount describe something outstanding or supreme. dominant applies to something that exerts control or influence: the dominant powers at an international conference. predominant applies to something that is foremost at a specific time: English is one of the world's predominant languages. paramount refers to something that is first in rank or order: Safety is of paramount importance.

Origin of dominant:

1525–35; < L dominant-

dom′i•nant•ly(adv.)

Princeton's WordNet

dominant(noun)
(music) the fifth note of the diatonic scale
dominant allele, dominant(adj)
an allele that produces the same phenotype whether its paired allele is identical or different
dominant(adj)
exercising influence or control
"television plays a dominant role in molding public opinion"; "the dominant partner in the marriage"
dominant(adj)
(of genes) producing the same phenotype whether its allele is identical or dissimilar
prevailing, prevalent, predominant, dominant, rife(adj)
most frequent or common
"prevailing winds"

Kernerman English Learner's Dictionary

dominant(adjective)ˈdɒm ə nənt
≠ minor
dominant political parties

Wiktionary

dominant(Noun)
The fifth major tone of a musical scale (five major steps above the note in question); thus G is the dominant of C, A of D, and so on.
dominant(Noun)
The triad built on the dominant tone.
dominant(Adjective)
Ruling; governing; prevailing; controlling; as, the dominant party, church, spirit, power.
The dominant party controlled the government.
dominant(Adjective)
Predominant, common, prevalent, of greatest importance.
The dominant plants of the Carboniferous were lycopods and early conifers.

Origin: From dominant.

Webster Dictionary

Dominant(adj)
ruling; governing; prevailing; controlling; predominant; as, the dominant party, church, spirit, power
Dominant(noun)
the fifth tone of the scale; thus G is the dominant of C, A of D, and so on