Pioneer, meaning of

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., -neered, -neer·ing, -neers.

v.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.

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


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