Main Entry: pre·em·i·nent

Pronunciation: \-nənt\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin praeeminent-, praeeminens, from Latin, present participle of praeeminēre to be outstanding, from prae- + eminēre to stand out — more at eminent

Date: 15th century

: having paramount rank, dignity, or importance : outstanding, supreme

— pre·em·i·nent·ly adverb