silverback

2 definitions • 2 examples

an older male gorilla (= a large ape) that has white or silver hair on its back and is the dominant (= controlling) member of its group:

The large 21-year-old silverback keeps a wary eye over his family group.

an older man who likes to have power and control over other people:

For at least 40 years Norman Mailer was the silverback of the literary scene.