prominence

American  

[prom-uh-nuhns] / ˈprɒm ə nəns /

noun

1. Also prominency. 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.

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prominence British  

/ 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

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prominence Scientific  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• nonprominence noun
• overprominence noun

Etymology

Origin of prominence

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

Example Sentences

The church rose to global prominence in the 1970s and 80s, becoming known for mass weddings often held in stadiums.

From Barron's

Over the centuries, this sacred site grew in prominence, becoming one of Britain's major pilgrimage destinations for more than 300 years.

From BBC

By the age of 32 Woodhull had achieved wealth, prominence and a reputation for rule-breaking.

From The Wall Street Journal

But as tensions with Moscow eased and the substantial environmental toll wrought by the rare earth industry gained prominence, the United States gradually offshored capacity in the 1980s and 1990s.

From Barron's

“Some people, they somehow just have the ability to have the same picture of you and they’re not intimidated by it,” she says of her growing prominence.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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