Definition of pioneer

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pi·o·neer    (p-nîr) KEY 

NOUN:

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.

ADJECTIVE:

1. Of, relating to, or characteristic of early settlers: the pioneer spirit.
2. Leading the way; trailblazing: a pioneer treatment for cancer.

VERB:
pi·o·neered, pi·o·neer·ing, pi·o·neers
VERB:
tr.

1. 1. To open up (an area) or prepare (a way): rockets that pioneered outer space.
   2. To settle (a region).
2. To initiate or participate in the development of: surgeons who pioneered organ transplants.

VERB:
intr.

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

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ETYMOLOGY:
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