I. ˈsā-lyənt, -lē-ənt adjective
Etymology: Latin salient-, saliens, present participle of salire to leap — more at sally
Date: 1646
1. : moving by leaps or springs : jumping
2. : jetting upward
a salient fountain
3.
a. : projecting beyond a line, surface, or level
b. : standing out conspicuously : prominent ; especially : of notable significance
similar to…Prohibition, but there are a couple of salient differences — Tony Gibbs
Synonyms: see noticeable
• sa·lient·ly adverb
II. noun
Date: 1828
: something (as a promontory) that projects outward or upward from its surroundings ; especially : an outwardly projecting part of a fortification, trench system, or line of defense