Pioneering

pi·o·neer  (p-nîr)

n.

1. One who ventures into unknown or unclaimed territory to settle.

2. One who opens up new areas of thought, research, or development: a pioneer in aviation.

3. A soldier who performs construction and demolition work in the field to facilitate troop movements.

4. Ecology An animal or plant species that establishes itself in a previously barren environment.

adj.

1. Of, relating to, or characteristic of early settlers: the pioneer spirit.

2. Leading the way; trailblazing: a pioneer treatment for cancer.

v. pi·o·neered, pi·o·neer·ing, pi·o·neers

v.tr.

1.

a. To open up (an area) or prepare (a way): rockets that pioneered outer space.

b. To settle (a region).

2. To initiate or participate in the development of: surgeons who pioneered organ transplants.

v.intr.

To act as a pioneer: pioneered in development of the laser.

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[French pionnier, from Old French peonier, foot soldier, from peon, from Medieval Latin ped, pedn-, from Late Latin, one who has broad feet, from Latin ps, ped-, foot; see ped- in Indo-European roots.]