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dominance

n.
US //ˈdɑmənəns// UK //dˈɒmɪnəns// dom·i·nance
  1. 1 power and control (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the state of being more powerful or important than others.

    the condition of having power, authority, or influence over others.

    Example

    The company's dominance in the smartphone market lasted for over a decade.

    Example

    The empire maintained its political dominance through a combination of military might and strategic trade alliances across the continent.
  2. 2 genetics (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    the way a specific gene shows its effect even when only one parent passes it on.

    the property of a genetic trait or allele that allows it to be expressed in the phenotype even when a different allele is present.

    Example

    In many plants, the gene for red flowers shows dominance over the gene for white flowers.

    Example

    The researcher studied the incomplete dominance of certain alleles to understand why the offspring displayed a blend of parental traits.

    Usage

    Often used in the context of Mendelian genetics to describe allele relationships.
    • recessiveness
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  1. 3 physical preference (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

    the natural tendency to use one side of your body more than the other, like being right-handed.

    the functional superiority or preferred use of one side of the body or one of a pair of organs.

    Example

    Most people show a clear right-hand dominance when they start learning to write.

    Example

    Occupational therapists often assess ocular dominance alongside hand preference to better understand a child's motor development.
    • lateralization
Origin

From dominant + -ance.

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