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

"The fact that it can is a major breakthrough because this is now a pathfinder project for similar projects in Europe."

From Reuters • Aug. 29, 2022

This mission, called CAPSTONE, is meant to serve as a pathfinder.

From The Verge • Jun. 28, 2022

In 2017, a government-commissioned review by former energy minister Charles Hendry backed plans for a pathfinder lagoon in Swansea Bay, saying it should be viewed as a "no-regrets policy".

From BBC • Oct. 27, 2021

SIMPLEx also serves as a pathfinder to investigate the trade-off between cost and risk, Lillis said.

From Scientific American • Sep. 28, 2021

Peter went on ahead, our pathfinder as usual, while I led Marlene, with Karli riding up on her, all of us knowing we owed our lives to that extraordinary and wonderful lady.

From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo

Related Words

• counselor
• mentor
• model
• pilot
• teacher