subdominant

noun

sub·​dom·​i·​nant ˌsəb-ˈdä-mə-nənt How to pronounce subdominant (audio)
-ˈdäm-nənt
1
: the fourth tone of a major or minor scale
2
: something partly but incompletely dominant
especially : an ecologically important life form subordinate in influence to the dominants of a community
subdominant adjective

Examples of subdominant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Rio Grande turkeys invariably roost in mixed groups, usually a dominant gobbler, maybe a couple of subdominant gobblers and, almost always, a bevy of hens. Shannon Tompkins, Houston Chronicle, 11 Apr. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of subdominant was in 1775

Dictionary Entries Near subdominant

Cite this Entry

“Subdominant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subdominant. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

subdominant

noun
sub·​dom·​i·​nant ˌsəb-ˈdäm(-ə)-nənt How to pronounce subdominant (audio)
ˈsəb-
1
: something dominant to a lesser or partial degree
2
: the fourth tone of a major or minor scale (as F in the scale of C)
subdominant adjective
Last Updated: - Definition revised
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