(military) the part of the line of battle that projects closest to the enemy
"After hours of intense artillery fire, the commanding officer ordered his reserve troops to reinforce the salient where their forward position jutted dangerously close to the opposing lines."
An outwardly projecting part of a fortification, trench system, or line of defense.
"The artillery crew ordered the soldiers to reinforce the salient at the northern end of the trench line before it became vulnerable to enemy fire."
having a quality that thrusts itself into attention
"an outstanding fact of our time is that nations poisoned by anti semitism proved less fortunate in regard to their own freedom"
"a new theory is the most prominent feature of the book"
"salient traits"
"a spectacular rise in prices"
"a striking thing about Picadilly Circus is the statue of Eros in the center"
"a striking resemblance between parent and child"
(of angles) pointing outward at an angle of less than 180 degrees
"The architect designed a series of salient corners on the building's facade to catch the sunlight throughout the day."
represented as leaping (rampant but leaning forward)
"The heraldic lion on the coat of arms was depicted in a salient pose, its front paws planted firmly while it leaped forward with great energy."
Worthy of note; pertinent or relevant.
"The report highlighted several salient points regarding the company's recent financial losses that investors need to consider immediately."