From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
pioneer
n 1: someone who helps to open up a new line of research or
technology or art [syn: pioneer, innovator,
trailblazer, groundbreaker]
2: one the first colonists or settlers in a new territory; "they
went west as pioneers with only the possessions they could
carry with them"
v 1: open up an area or prepare a way; "She pioneered a graduate
program for women students" [syn: pioneer, open up]
2: take the lead or initiative in; participate in the
development of; "This South African surgeon pioneered heart
transplants" [syn: initiate, pioneer]
3: open up and explore a new area; "pioneer space"
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Pioneer \Pi`o*neer"\, n. [F. pionier, orig., a foot soldier, OF.
peonier, fr. OF. peon a foot soldier, F. pion. See Pawn in
chess.]
1. (Mil.) A soldier detailed or employed to form roads, dig
trenches, and make bridges, as an army advances.
[1913 Webster]
2. One who goes before, as into the wilderness, preparing the
way for others to follow; as, pioneers of civilization;
pioneers of reform.
[1913 Webster]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Pioneer \Pi`o*neer"\, v. t. & i. [imp. & p. p. Pioneered; p.
pr. & vb. n. Pioneering.]
1. To go before, and prepare or open a way for; to act as
pioneer.
[1913 Webster]
2. to take part in the early development of; to break ground
in; to invent or originate.
[PJC]