Domino is a small rectangular block that forms part of a set of dominoes. The word comes from the Latin “domino,” meaning “flip.” The domino is usually twice as wide as it is tall, making it easier to re-stack when not in use. The domino is a kind of gaming piece that can be used to play many different games. People also use them to build elaborate domino sculptures and shows.

When a domino falls, it causes the rest of the pieces in its line to fall as well. This happens because a domino has potential energy, which is the energy it has based on its position. When a domino falls, this potential energy is converted to kinetic energy, which gives the domino the power to push on other dominoes. The process of a domino falling is very similar to how nerve impulses travel down a neuron.

Dominoes are often used to demonstrate an amazing physical phenomenon called the Domino Effect. For example, when a domino is slid across the top of another piece, it causes that piece to fall. The piece on which the domino is slid can be either a flat surface or one with a raised edge. The surface on which the domino is slid must be smooth, but the raised edge can be any shape, such as a sharp peak or a rounded edge. The raised edge must have enough friction to cause the piece that is pushed onto it to fall.

In a domino show, a builder will arrange hundreds or thousands of dominoes in a carefully sequenced chain reaction before a crowd of fans. These elaborate displays are meant to impress, and they can include incredible, creative domino effects and reactions. Some buildsers are known to even compete in domino shows, trying to outdo each other with complex and imaginative creations.

The word “domino” is sometimes used to refer to a specific type of game, a form of positional play that uses a special rule whereby each domino has only two adjacent sides (one marked with numbers or dots resembling those on dice). This type of domino game is referred to as a double-nine game.

The name “domino” is also used to refer to a type of business model where one company partners with another to provide a particular service. For example, Domino’s Pizza and Starbucks have worked together to promote their products and services. This partnership is referred to as a Domino’s-Starbucks alliance.