salient Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun (military) the part of the line of battle that projects closest to the enemy
adjective satellite having a quality that thrusts itself into attention
striking; prominent; spectacular; outstanding.
- an outstanding fact of our time is that nations poisoned by anti semitism proved less fortunate in regard to their own freedom
- a new theory is the most prominent feature of the book
- salient traits
- a spectacular rise in prices
- a striking thing about Picadilly Circus is the statue of Eros in the center
- a striking resemblance between parent and child
adjective (of angles) pointing outward at an angle of less than 180 degrees
adjective satellite represented as leaping (rampant but leaning forward)

L. saliens, -entis, p.pr. of salire to leap; cf. F. saillant. See Sally, n. & v. i..

Moving by leaps or springs; leaping; bounding; jumping. "Frogs and salient animals." Sir T. Browne.
Shooting out up; springing; projecting.
He had in himself a salient, living spring of generous and manly action. Burke.
Hence, figuratively, forcing itself on the attention; prominent; conspicuous; noticeable.
He [Grenville] had neither salient traits, nor general comprehensiveness of mind. Bancroft.
(Math. & Fort.) Projectiong outwardly; as, a salient angle; -- opposed to reëntering. See Illust. of Bastion.
(Her.) Represented in a leaping position; as, a lion salient.