punctum saliens
Derived from Latin, "punctum saliens" has both biological and figurative meanings, historically used in embryology and metaphorically to denote a starting point.
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Definition
C2Embryology
(historical, technical)The first visible sign of the heart in an embryo, appearing as a throbbing point.
Example
- In early embryonic development, the punctum saliens marks the beginning of heart formation.
C1General
(figurative, formal)The core or most important point of an idea or discussion.
Example
- The punctum saliens of his argument was the need for immediate action on climate change.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "punctum saliens":