prominence

[ prom-uh-nuhns ]

noun

1. Also promi·nen·cy. the state of being prominent; conspicuousness.
2. something that is prominent; a projection or protuberance:

   a prominence high over a ravine.

   Synonyms: peak, precipice, height, promontory

3. Also called solar prominence. Astronomy. an eruption of a flamelike tongue of relatively cool, high-density gas from the solar chromosphere into the corona where it can be seen during a solar eclipse or by observing strong spectral lines in its emission spectrum.

prominence

/ ˈprɒmɪnəns /

noun

1. the state or quality of being prominent
2. something that is prominent, such as a protuberance
3. relative importance or consequence
4. astronomy an eruption of incandescent gas from the sun's surface that can reach an altitude of several hundred thousand kilometres. Prominences are visible during a total eclipse. When viewed in front of the brighter solar disc, they are called filaments

prominence

/ prŏm′ə-nəns /

1. An eruption of tonguelike clouds of glowing ionized gas extending from the Sun's chromosphere and sometimes reaching hundreds of thousands of kilometers into space. When viewed against the solar surface instead of along the edges of its disk, prominences appear as dark, sinuous lines known as filaments . Usually associated with sunspot activity, solar prominences can influence Earth's atmosphere by interfering with electromagnetic activity.
2. ◆ Active prominences erupt suddenly and usually disappear within minutes or hours. Quiescent prominences form more smoothly and can last for several months.
3. See also solar flare

Other Words From

• non·promi·nence noun
• over·promi·nence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of prominence¹

First recorded in 1590–1600, prominence is from the Latin word prōminentia a jutting out, protuberance. See prominent, -ence

Example Sentences

One clear theme that's emerged in recent days is the prominence of China hawks in his proposed team - those who believe Beijing poses a serious threat to US economic and military dominance and want to challenge this more forcefully.

From BBC

Cohn, who died in 1986, could have told Trump that McCarthy—who rose to prominence by rooting out and prosecuting suspected Communists in government—made his big misstep when he went after Army officers.

From Slate

Musk also tied interactions to these users' prominence, meaning their posts that did well were more likely to be seen by other users.

From BBC

Critics argue his changes have given prominence to hate-speech and misinformation - though he has argued the site is politically neutral.

From BBC

An Iraq war veteran and the son of immigrants, Gallego rose to prominence in the Democratic Party as a steadfast progressive.

From Salon

Related Words

• celebrity
• eminence
• fame
• greatness
• importance
• prestige
• renown
• reputation
• standing