eminent (adj.) Look up eminent at Dictionary.com
early 15c., from Old French éminent "prominent" (13c.) or directly from Latin eminentem (nominative eminens) "standing out, projecting, prominent, high," figuratively "distinguished, distinctive," present participle of eminere "stand out, project; be prominent, be conspicuous," from assimilated form of ex- "out" (see ex-) + -minere, which is related to mons "hill" (see mount (n.1)). Related: Eminently. Legal eminent domain recorded from 1738.