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 Word Forms

• 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

Then he brought out Clairo, who Sanders said has “used her prominence to fight for women’s rights and to try and end the terrible and brutal war in Gaza.”

From Los Angeles Times

His unprecedented four United player of the year awards came at a point where many felt without De Gea, the club's slide from prominence would have been even worse than it was.

From BBC

Many viewers complained about the slowness of early episodes — and Duke was not happy with its prominence among the highly flawed Ratliff family — but given the show’s enormous success, perhaps some backlash was inevitable.

From Los Angeles Times

Smith notes that women in positions of prominence are more likely to be targeted in this way.

From BBC

It was said she deliberately timed the stunt to "give greater prominence to her actions".

From BBC

Related Words

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