prominence

[prom-uh-nuhns]

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.

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

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

• nonprominence noun
• overprominence 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

But if anti-Muslim bigotry dominated the five boroughs, Mr. Mamdani, a proud Muslim, wouldn’t have come from obscurity to national prominence.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Wilders, 62, rose to prominence 20 years ago warning of “an Islamic invasion” of Europe.

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In the past few years, Mr. Parker’s career, which is planted most firmly in the jazz realm, has grown in prominence, and several tracks here build from his characteristic approach to rhythm and harmony.

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Lockhart first shot to prominence on Broadway in the 1940s, picking up a newcomer Tony Award for her role in For Love or Money, before transitioning into film and TV.

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It returned to prominence at the start of this year, partly because of tech billionaire Elon Musk, who criticised the prime minister for not calling a national inquiry.

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Related Words

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