salient
UK: ˈseɪ.li.ənt | US: ˈseɪ.li.ənt
adj. most noticeable or important
adj. projecting outward or upward; prominent
n. (Military) a forward-pointing part of a defensive line
salient = sali<leap> + ent<adjective suffix>
- sali<leap>: From Latin salire (to leap), reflecting motion or projection.
- ent<adjective suffix>: Denotes a state or quality (e.g., "different," "persistent").
Etymology Origin:
The word salient traces back to Latin salire (to leap), which metaphorically evolved to describe things "standing out" or "leaping forward" in prominence. Initially used in military contexts (e.g., a "salient angle" in fortifications), it later broadened to signify anything strikingly noticeable. The root sali- also appears in somersault (leaping turn) and assail (to leap at aggressively).
The report highlighted the salient points of the discussion.
A salient feature of the landscape was the jagged cliff.
The general ordered troops to defend the salient in their frontline.
Her salient criticism made everyone reconsider the proposal.
The artist used color to make the focal point more salient.