1. Having a quality that thrusts itself into attention
   "salient traits";
   - outstanding, prominent, spectacular, striking
    
2. (of angles) pointing outward at an angle of less than 180 degrees
   "The salient angle of the fortress provided a strategic defensive position"
    
3. (heraldry) represented as leaping (rampant but leaning forward)
   "The salient lion on the coat of arms appeared ready to pounce"

1. (military) the part of the line of battle that projects closest to the enemy
   "The troops defended the salient against repeated attacks"

Derived forms: salients

See also: conspicuous, inclined

Type of: projection

Antonym: re-entrant

Part of: line of battle

Encyclopedia: Salient