Joe Sixpack American

Word of the Day for Friday, November 28, 2008

eminent \EM-uh-nuhnt\, adjective:

1. high in station, rank, or repute; prominent, distinguished
2. conspicuous; noteworthy
3. high; lofty
4. standing out above other things; prominent
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I suspect the B.O. is hoping that the world will see his cabinet appointees as eminent politicians and scholars, but they are nothing more than recycled Carter and Clinton cronies that are receiving their rewards for their support of him.
--Spy Maker, JSA's Blog
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c.1420, from Latin eminentem, prp. of eminere "stand out, project," from ex- "out" + minere, related to mons "hill.". Eminence is first attested 1621; as a title of honor (now only of cardinals) it is attested from 1653.