pathfinder

American  

[path-fahyn-der, pahth‑] / ˈpæθˌfaɪn dər, ˈpɑθ‑ /

noun

1. a person who finds or makes a path, way, route, etc., especially through a previously unexplored or untraveled wilderness.

2. an airplane, or a person dropped from a plane, sent into a target area to illuminate the area for succeeding aircraft.

3. a radar beacon beamed into a target area to provide guidance for missiles seeking the target.

4. (initial capital letter) an unmanned spacecraft that landed on Mars on July 4, 1997, to obtain climatic and geologic data.

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pathfinder British  

/ ˈpɑːθˌfaɪndə /

noun

1. a person who makes or finds a way, esp through unexplored areas or fields of knowledge

2. an aircraft or parachutist who indicates a target area by dropping flares, etc

3. a radar device used for navigation or homing onto a target

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Other Word Forms

• pathfinding noun

Etymology

Origin of pathfinder

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40; path + finder

Example Sentences

Officials hope to pass the legislation to make police mergers more straightforward in this parliament and to get through at least one "pathfinder" merger before the next election.

From BBC

During the coldest months, icebreakers keep Finland's ports open, and work as pathfinders for big cargo ships.

From BBC

Sarah Murphy, Welsh minister for mental health and wellbeing, said women's health pathfinder hubs are expected to come online "in the next few months" building on existing services to "create a tertiary level support".

From BBC

"We set high standards, it can be a pathfinder, it can be a test-bed that we do together before it is expanded to the broader region," he said.

From Reuters

Experts describe imports by Singapore of hydroelectric-generated power from Laos via transmissions through Thailand and Malaysia as a “pathfinder” project, marking the first time that four countries in the region have agreed to trade electricity.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

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