adj. & n.
--adj.
1. jutting out; prominent; conspicuous, most noticeable.
2 (of an angle, esp. in fortification) pointing outwards (opp. RE-ENTRANT).
3 Heraldry (of a lion etc.) standing on its hind legs with the forepaws raised.
4 archaic a leaping or dancing. b (of water etc.) jetting forth.
--n. a salient angle or part of a work in fortification; an outward bulge in a line of military attack or defence.
Phrases and idioms:
salient point archaic the initial stage, origin, or first beginning.
Derivatives:
salience n. saliency n. saliently adv.
Etymology: L salire leap