pathfinder

[ path-fahyn-der, pahth‑ ]

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.

pathfinder

/ 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

Derived Forms

• ˈpathˌfinding, noun

Other Words From

• pathfinding noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pathfinder¹

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

Example Sentences

“We see this as kind of a pathfinder to help establish this capability that we think is going to be needed in the future to support exploration,” says Paterson.

From Popular-Science

While they now mostly lead tours through the rugged landscape, their expertise as pathfinders is still an extremely valuable skill.

From Ozy

Eventually, he packed up his Nissan Pathfinder and drove back to Iowa.

From The Daily Beast

Perhaps it will be most instructive at this point to quote the words of the great Pathfinder himself.

From Project Gutenberg

The pathfinder has often gotten his hands and face badly torn by the thick brambly thorn bushes as he pushed resolutely on.

From Project Gutenberg

Hark'e Pathfinder, I very much doubt if this stripe of water here be even a lake; for to me it appears to be only a river.

From Project Gutenberg

He accordingly accompanied his niece, leaving Sergeant Dunham and his friend, the Pathfinder, alone together.

From Project Gutenberg

The fact was; few knew the Pathfinder intimately without secretly believing him to be one of extraordinary qualities.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• counselor
• mentor
• model
• pilot
• teacher