WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025
dom′inance hi′erarchy, [Animal Behav.]
- Animal Behaviora system or set of relationships in animal groups that is based on a hierarchical ranking, usually established and maintained by behavior in aggressive encounters: one or a few members hold the highest rank and the others are submissive to those ranking higher and dominant to those ranking lower.
- 1970–75
'dominance hierarchy' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):