pioneer

Noun · Verb
Synonyms: innovatortrailblazergroundbreakeropen upinitiate

WordNet 3.0

Noun (2)

  1. someone who helps to open up a new line of research or technology or artSynonyms: innovatortrailblazergroundbreaker
  2. one the first colonists or settlers in a new territory“they went west as pioneers with only the possessions they could carry with them”

Verb (3)

  1. open up an area or prepare a way“She pioneered a graduate program for women students”Synonyms: open up
  2. take the lead or initiative in; participate in the development of“This South African surgeon pioneered heart transplants”Synonyms: initiate
  3. open up and explore a new area“pioneer space”
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Pioneer \Pi`o*neer"\, n. [F. pionier, orig., a foot soldier, OF. peonier, fr. OF. peon a foot soldier, F. pion. See Pawn in chess.]

1.(Mil.) A soldier detailed or employed to form roads, dig trenches, and make bridges, as an army advances. [1913 Webster]

2.One who goes before, as into the wilderness, preparing the way for others to follow; as, pioneers of civilization; pioneers of reform. [1913 Webster]

Pioneer \Pi`o*neer"\, v. t. & i. [imp. & p. p. Pioneered; p. pr. & vb. n. Pioneering.]

1.To go before, and prepare or open a way for; to act as pioneer. [1913 Webster]

2.to take part in the early development of; to break ground in; to invent or originate. [PJC]

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