adj

salient

SAY-lee-uhnt

adj

Most noticeable or important; standing out as especially relevant.

"Let's focus on the salient points of the report."

"The salient feature of the design is its low cost."

noun

A part of a military position, border, or structure that juts outward into enemy or neighboring territory.

"Troops dug in around the salient to hold the exposed ground."

How to Use Salient

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishStanding out as important or obvious, or (in military/geographic use) a section that juts outward.

Common pairings

salient point salient feature a salient in the front line

Word Forms

more salient comparative, salients plural, most salient superlative

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Let's focus on the _____ points of the report.

Etymology

From Latin saliens, "leaping," from saliō, "to leap." The military and geographic sense of "jutting out" and the meaning "notable" both trace back to this image of something springing forward or standing out.

Rhymes for salient

orient ancient patient ambient lenient obedient nutrient gradient sentient impatient transient recipient

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