“pioneer” is a noun and verb with 5 meanings. Its most common meaning is: someone who helps to open up a new line of research or technology or art.
pioneer
noun
someone who helps to open up a new line of research or technology or art
one of the first colonists or settlers in a new territory
“they went west as pioneers with only the possessions they could carry with them”
verb
open up an area or prepare a way
“She pioneered a graduate program for women students”
take the lead or initiative in; participate in the development of
“This South African surgeon pioneered heart transplants”
open up and explore a new area
“pioneer space”
Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University
