pathfinder
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/ˈpæθfaɪndər/
🇬🇧
/ˈpɑːθfaɪndə(r)/
someone or something that leads the way, especially in new or unknown territory
The pathfinder team was the first to explore the area.
someone who is among the first to try or develop a new method or area of interest
She was a pathfinder in the field of environmental science.