word

par·a·mount (pr-mount)
adj.

1. Of chief concern or importance: tending first to one's paramount needs.
2. Supreme in rank, power, or authority. See Synonyms at dominant.
3. having superior power and influence; "the predominant mood among policy-makers is optimism"

n. One that has the highest rank, power, or authority.
A city of southern California southeast of Los Angeles. Originally a dairy center, it became industrialized after the 1950s. Population: 47,669.