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