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. [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 p s, ped-, foot; see ped- in Indo-European roots.] |
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