A domino is a small rectangular block with either white or black dots, like those on dice, that is used in a variety of games. A domino set can be as simple or as elaborate as the players want to make it, with straight lines, curved lines, grids that form pictures when they fall, and 3D structures such as towers and pyramids. Dominoes can also be used as tools to teach children about number patterns.

The word domino derives from the Latin dominica, meaning ‘little emperor’. It has been suggested that this is because the little emperor’s costume consisted of a hooded cloak worn together with a mask at carnival season or at a masquerade. An earlier sense of the word, however, denoted a long cape worn by a priest over his surplice. Hence, the domino game pieces were originally made of ebony blacks and ivory faces, just like a priest’s cape, which contrasted with his white surplice.

In modern use, the word is usually associated with a series of events that start out as something small and seemingly insignificant, but then lead to greater and more dramatic consequences. This is called the “domino effect.” A person who has a good domino effect is someone who is able to take advantage of opportunities presented to him or her.

Domino’s Pizza is a company that does a great job of cultivating its leaders and promoting a strong domino effect. In fact, the company is so dedicated to this that it has even gone so far as to air a reality show where the CEO Don Meij goes undercover to work at a couple of its restaurants and analyzes how customers are treated by the employees there.

Whether or not the company succeeds in its mission to create a domino effect, it is certainly an impressive example of how important it is for businesses to listen to their customers and act upon feedback that they receive. In the end, listening to the customer is one of the most effective ways to build a positive reputation and attract loyal customers.

While most people think of a domino as a piece of gaming equipment, it is also possible to make domino art using other materials such as paper and glue. There is even a domino design app that allows users to create their own designs and track their progress as they knock over each tile.

When designing a mind-blowing domino setup, Hevesh uses a version of the engineering-design process to determine what her goal is and then brainstorm images or words that might help her achieve it. This method of planning allows her to keep the overall project on track and not get lost in the details.

When writing a story, it’s important to remember the domino effect. If a scene in your novel doesn’t fit with the rest of the plot, it will likely fall apart just like a poorly constructed domino setup. For this reason, it’s a good idea to make sure your scenes have enough logic for readers to understand the implications of what’s happening and why your character is behaving in an unusual way.