dominante

Dominante is a term used in several disciplines to denote the leading, controlling, or most conspicuous element within a system. It often refers to what exerts primary influence or expresses itself most strongly in a given context.

In genetics, a dominant allele is a variant of a gene that can determine the phenotype even when only one copy is present (heterozygous). It masks the effect of a recessive allele in the offspring. Dominance patterns include complete dominance, incomplete dominance, and codominance, each describing how alleles interact to shape traits. Classic examples in teaching often involve height in pea plants, where a tall allele can dominate a short one, though real traits may be more complex.

In music theory, the dominant refers to the fifth degree of a diatonic scale and the chord built on that degree (the V chord). The dominant has a strong pull toward the tonic, creating a sense of resolution when it moves to the first scale degree (I). The dominant seventh chord, which adds a minor seventh above the root, strengthens this tendency and enriches harmonic progressions.

In other contexts, dominante functions as an adjective meaning preeminent or controlling. It can describe dominant cultures, languages, or traits that tend to prevail in a given setting. The term is used across fields to indicate influence, leadership, or primary importance, with specific technical meanings varying by domain.