salient

²sa·lient

noun \ˈsā-lyənt, -lē-ənt\

Definition of SALIENT

: 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

Examples of SALIENT

1. The attempts of the Teutonic armies to envelop and destroy some portion of the Russian forces involved the creation of several dangerous salients in the Russian line, followed by an endeavor to close the neck of each salient by attacks from both sides and so to isolate the armies forming its apex. —Douglas Wilson Johnson, Topography and Strategy in the War, 1917

Origin of SALIENT

(see ¹salient)

First Known Use: 1828

Other Military Terms

bivouac, logistics, petard, sally, supernumerary, tactical