Definition of salient

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< salience

salientian >

sa·li·ent    (sl-nt, slynt) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. Projecting or jutting beyond a line or surface; protruding.
2. Strikingly conspicuous; prominent. See Synonyms at noticeable.
3. Springing; jumping: salient tree toads.

NOUN:

1. A military position that projects into the position of the enemy.
2. A projecting angle or part.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Latin salins, salient- present participle of salre, to leap; see sel- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
sali·ent·ly(Adverb)