-d(ə)rən(t)s noun
( -s )
Etymology: from preponderant, after such pairs as English abundant : abundance
1. : a superiority in weight ; specifically : the excess of weight of the part of a cannon behind the axis of the trunnions over that in front
2. : a superiority in power, influence, importance, or strength
this overwhelming preponderance of American power and wealth — Barbara Ward
the immense preponderance of good over evil — C.W.Eliot
the preponderance of the evidence
3.
a. : a superiority or excess in number or quantity
give numerical preponderance in the lower house to the uplands of the state — U.B.Phillips
the preponderance of small farms was also advantageous to the slave — American Guide Series: Tennessee
b. : majority
the great preponderance of the animals on the road are mules — Christopher Rand