Dominant

In genetics, dominant and recessive refer to the relationship of a pair of genes. In a person, there are two genes, one on each of a matching pair of chromosomes, for traits such as curly hair, eye color, or hemophilia. The genes, which come from the mother and the father, may be the same or different. If they are different, the trait which shows up and the gene directing it are said to be dominant. The gene for the trait or characteristic that does not show up is recessive. A gene for a recessive trait never shows its effect unless it joins with another recessive gene or a dominant gene is not present.