salient etymology

Etymology:

  • Latin: saliēns, present participle of salīre "to leap, jump"
  • Indo-European root: *sel- "to jump" (also found in "saltation")

Meaning:

  • Adjective:
    • Prominent, noticeable, striking
    • Important, essential

Origin:

The term "salient" originally referred to a physical characteristic, meaning "projecting outwards" or "leaping forth." It was later extended to metaphorical uses in the 16th century, initially to describe characteristics that "stand out" or "leap to attention."

Usage:

  • To describe noticeable features:

    • The most salient feature of the building was its towering spire.
  • To describe important ideas or elements:

    • The salient points of the research were presented in the abstract.
  • In military contexts, referring to a strategic position:

    • The salient gave the enemy a clear advantage in the battle.

Related Terms:

  • Salience: The quality of being salient
  • Salinity: The saltiness of water
  • Saltation: A jumping movement

salient relate terms

  • assail

    Etymology Middle English assailen from Old French asaillir assaillir from Late Latin

  • salient

    Etymology Latin saliēns present participle of salīre to leap jump Indo European

  • assault

    Etymology Assault is derived from the Old French assault meaning an attack which

  • salient

    Etymology Latin saliēns present participle of salīre to leap jump Indo European

  • fault

    Etymology The word fault derives from the Middle French faulte meaning lack or d

  • vault

    Etymology Middle English vaute from Old French veute vault cellar cave from La

  • dance

    Etymology The word dance traces its origins back to Old French dancier Latin da

  • desultory

    Etymology The word desultory originates from the Latin word desultor which means v

  • exult

    Etymology The word exult comes from the Latin verb exsultare which means to jump up

  • D day

    Etymology The term D Day is derived from the military designation Day D D stands

  • horn

    Etymology The word horn comes from the Old English word horn which is derived from t

  • projection

    Etymology The word projection comes from the Latin word proiectus which means to th

  • outstanding

    Etymology The word outstanding derives from the Old English word ūttandende meaning

  • striking

    Etymology The word striking is derived from Old English strican meaning to strike

  • prominent

    Etymology The word prominent is derived from the Latin word prominere which means t

  • flatter

    Etymology The word flatter comes from the Old French word flater which itself derive