Definition

Noun: 1. The foremost edge of an airfoil or wing: The front part of an airfoil, such as an airplane wing, which meets the airflow first. 2. The forefront or vanguard of development; the cutting edge: A position of greatest advancement or innovation in a particular field, activity, or technology.

Usage

• The term is used literally in aviation and aerodynamics to describe a physical part.
• It is used figuratively to describe a position of leadership in innovation, progress, or thought.

Examples

• Literal (Aviation):
  • Ice accumulation on the leading edge of the wing can be dangerous.
  • The engineers redesigned the leading edge to improve aerodynamic efficiency.
• Figurative (Innovation/Progress):
  • This research puts the university at the leading edge of medical technology.
  • Their company is on the leading edge of sustainable design.

Advanced Usage

• "at the leading edge of": Being in the most advanced position within a specific area.
  • She is a scientist working at the leading edge of genetic engineering.
• "leading-edge" (as a hyphenated adjective): Describing something that incorporates the most advanced ideas or features.
  • The lab is equipped with leading-edge technology. (Note: This is a compound adjective derived from the noun phrase.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cutting edge: A very similar figurative synonym meaning the forefront of development.
• Forefront: A more general term for a leading position.
• Trailing edge: The opposite, rear edge of an airfoil.

Synonyms

• Forefront
• Vanguard
• Cutting edge (figurative)
• Front line (figurative)

Antonyms

• Trailing edge (literal)
• Rearguard (figurative)
• Lagging (figurative)

Noun

1. forward edge of an airfoil