Lewis & Short

ēmĭnentĭa, ae, f. [eminens], a standing out, projecting; concr., a prominence, protuberance.

  1. I. Lit., Cic. N. D. 1, 38, § 174 (with soliditas); App. Flor. no. 18, p. 359; and in plur., Plin. 37, 10, 63, § 174.
    Hence, in painting, the prominent, i. e. light parts, Cic. Ac. 2, 7, 20 (opp. umbrae).
  2. II. Trop., excellence: quaedam formarum, Gell. 5, 11, 9: senectutis suae, Vulg. 2 Macc. 6, 19.
    Hence, per eminentiam, i. q. κατ’ ἐξοχήν, preëminently, par excellence, Ulp. Fragm. 11, 3: reperiet, eminentiam cujusque operis artissimis temporum claustris circumdatam, the highest ability in an art, Vell. 1, 17, 4.