leading edge

American  

[lee-ding] / ˈli dɪŋ /

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.

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leading edge British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• leading-edge adjective

Etymology

Origin of leading edge

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

After conceding four from an accurate first over, Jacks got one to grip to take the leading edge of Mendis.

From BBC

Television was also the leading edge of the rising consumer society: an ad-driven medium running all day in American homes.

From The Wall Street Journal

The first chance offered was a leading edge that flew to deep third man, with Rashid unable to take the catch or flick the ball back inside the rope.

From BBC

As Akira watched, the app updated and the leading edge of the fire jumped closer to the road.

From Literature

"It had been assumed that faults follow the leading edge of the subducting slab, but this example deviates from that," Materna said.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• cutting edge
• forefront
• vanguard