Domino is a term that has many meanings. It is most commonly used to describe a dominoes game, but it also refers to a type of pizza and a company. It is a very versatile word that has evolved over time to meet the needs of its various users. Its history and etymology make it interesting to explore, as well as its role in society.
Dominoes originated in France, but the word itself has an even older root. It once denoted a cape worn over a priest’s surplice, perhaps because the black domino pieces contrasted with the white of the garment. It later became a name for a hooded cloak, and eventually a generic word for any long, hooded garment worn during carnival season or at a masquerade.
When used as a verb, domino means to cause a series of events or effects. It can also be applied to something that is in control or dominant, a person who has authority or power, or a system of rules or laws.
In the game of dominoes, players start with a set of 28 tiles, which are stacked on-edge in front of them. The tiles feature values on both sides, from six pips to none or blank. The value on the left side is called the rank or weight, while the value on the right is the value of the piece. Traditionally, dominoes are valued by their height and the number of pips they possess.
The biggest danger with a domino chain is that the first one will fall over before the rest are in place, making it less likely that subsequent dominoes will hit their targets. The same can happen in stories if the scenes aren’t carefully spaced, with each scene building up to the next. The stakes and difficulties must rise with each scene, but not too fast, or the story will feel anticlimactic.
For writers, it’s important to remember that each scene is a domino. They must have the potential to influence what comes next, even if they seem insignificant by themselves. In fiction, the dominoes might be individual scenes or key points to illustrate a theme or statement. In nonfiction, they could be ideas or quotes. The best way to think about them is as what will push a narrative forward in a natural and compelling manner. By thinking of each scene as a domino, it’s easier to construct an effective sequence that will keep readers engaged in the plot. It also makes it much easier to avoid plot holes and other issues that plague novels. Whether you compose your manuscript off the cuff or follow a meticulous outline, keeping this concept in mind can help you create a novel that will reach its intended audience and impact.