Definition

Noun: 1. A position of high status, importance, or superiority: The state or quality of being famous, respected, or distinguished, often due to outstanding achievement in a particular field. 2. (Anatomy) A protuberance or projection: A raised or prominent part on a bone, typically serving as a point of attachment for muscles or ligaments. 3. (Formal title, capitalized as Eminence): A title of honor used when addressing or referring to a cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church.

Usage and Examples

• High Status/Importance:
  • She achieved eminence in the field of molecular biology.
  • The artist's eminence was recognized with a major retrospective at the national gallery.
  • He is a scholar of great eminence.
• (Anatomy) A Protuberance:
  • The surgeon pointed to the bony eminence where the tendon attaches.
  • The medial eminence is a structure within the fourth ventricle of the brain.
• (Title) Eminence:
  • His Eminence, Cardinal Jones, will preside over the ceremony.
  • The letter was addressed to "Your Eminence."

Advanced Usage

• "Pre-eminence": A stronger form meaning supreme or unparalleled status.
• "Eminence grise" (from French): A person who exercises power or influence behind the scenes, often unofficially.

Variants and Related Words

• Eminent (adjective): Famous, respected, and distinguished.
• Pre-eminent (adjective): Surpassing all others; very distinguished.

Synonyms

• For status: distinction, prominence, renown, prestige, celebrity, repute.
• For anatomy: projection, protuberance, prominence.

Antonyms

• For status: obscurity, insignificance, anonymity.

Noun

1. a protuberance on a bone especially for attachment of a muscle or ligament
2. high status importance owing to marked superiority
   • a scholar of great eminence