leading edge

[lee-ding]

noun

1. Aeronautics.,  the edge of an airfoil or propeller blade facing the direction of motion.

2. something that is or represents the most advanced or innovative aspect of a field, activity, profession, etc.; forefront; vanguard.

   the leading edge of technology.

leading edge

/ ˈliːdɪŋ /

noun

1. the forward edge of a propeller blade, aerofoil, or wing Compare trailing edge

2. electrical engineering the part of a pulse signal that has an increasing amplitude

3. 1. the leading position in any field

   2. ( as modifier )

      leading-edge technology

Other Word Forms

• leading-edge adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of leading edge¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

Before the Burger miss, Matthew Breetzke comically put down Jamie Smith on 23 when a leading edge from the opener, whose 62 put England on the front foot, looped to him at extra cover.

From BBC

He lasted only four balls before a leading edge was spectacularly held by Archer.

From BBC

"To solve the climate challenge requires bold action and risk-taking and this satellite was at the leading edge of science, technology and advocacy," it added.

From BBC

Executives at Netflix, long on the leading edge of providing niche offerings to fit every consumer’s taste, now extol the virtues of the mass audience viewing experience now that it carries NFL games.

From Los Angeles Times

Kneecap represent the leading edge of a trend: Speaking Irish is cool again.

From Salon

Related Words

• cutting edge 
• forefront 
• vanguard