Domino is a small, flat, rectangular block used as a gaming object. Its inertia keeps it from moving unless an outside force pushes or pulls on it. However, a tiny nudge can tip the domino over and cause it to fall, triggering the action of many more of its kind. Dominoes can be set up in a variety of configurations, including straight lines, curved lines, grids that form images when they fall, and 3D structures like towers and pyramids.
Dominoes are often used to create works of art, such as a large train track or a map. They can also be arranged in a 3-D arrangement to represent scenes from a story or used as a centerpiece for a special occasion. Some people even compete in domino tournaments, with the winner earning a cash prize.
The name Domino has retained its authoritative undertones, and it is often used to refer to businesses, organizations, or products that project a sense of leadership and expertise. It is also a common first name for men and women, imparting a feeling of dominance and control. The word has been used as a metaphor for a chain reaction, as in the phrase “the domino effect.” In business, the term also refers to a company that tries to get ahead of its competitors by launching new products and taking steps that will help it gain market share.
In education, the domino effect is a metaphor for the impact that one learning challenge can have on a student. Just as it can be mesmerizing to watch a line of falling dominoes, it can be frustrating for students when one small movement leads to failure before they’ve had the opportunity to practice and build their skills. The impact can continue to grow over time as the student compensates with a range of skills, impacting their ability to master a core skill.
When the mutant shapeshifter Domino first appeared in the Marvel Universe, she joined X-Force and helped it transform into a proactive black ops team. She later quit when Pete Wisdom tried to turn it into a corporate enterprise, but was revived by alien technology grafts and rejoined the team. She is able to generate a psionic aura around herself that alters probabilities, giving her “good luck” while making her opponents suffer from bad. She can consciously activate this power by placing herself in a dangerous situation. She also shares a telepathic link with Cable and can psionically communicate with him when they are separated.