1. plural of prepotence; the quality or state of being prepotent; superior power or influence.
Usage: formal; rare
2. in biology, the ability of one parent's genetic material to exert greater influence on offspring than the other parent's; genetic dominance.
Usage: technical; biology

Examples

• The prepotences of the ruling class were challenged by the reform movement.
• In genetics, prepotences determine which traits are expressed in offspring.
• Historical accounts reveal the prepotences of various empires throughout the centuries.
• The scientist studied prepotences in plant breeding to improve crop yields.