leading edge
Cutting-edge position
The leading edge is the front edge of something moving through air or water—the part that meets resistance first.
An airplane wing's leading edge is its forward-facing surface.
Figuratively, the leading edge is the forefront of progress or innovation: researchers at the leading edge of cancer treatment.
Often used attributively: leading-edge technology.
Most technologically advanced available
- breakthroughSudden important advance
- groundbreakingIntroducing radical new ideas
- pioneeringFirst to explore territory
- trailblazingBeing the first through
revolutionary · disruptive · next-gen · avant-garde · vanguard · forefront · frontier · advancement
Lift-generating curved surface
- wingLimb enabling flight
- chordNotes sounded simultaneously
- slatNarrow wooden strip
- flapOne-sided attached cover
angle of attack · lift · drag · stall · boundary layer · vortex · turbulence · airspeed
One who shapes trends
- influencerPerson with promotional reach
- trendsetterOne who initiates styles
- voguePrevailing popular style
- fashionableCurrently in style
trendspotter · zeitgeist · new wave · hipster · chic · buzzworthy · iconic · mainstream
state-of-the-art
Most technologically advanced available
- breakthroughSudden important advance
- groundbreakingIntroducing radical new ideas
- pioneeringFirst to explore territory
trailblazing · revolutionary · disruptive · next-gen · avant-garde · vanguard · forefront · frontier · advancement · progress
airfoil
Lift-generating curved surface
flap · angle of attack · lift · drag · stall · boundary layer · vortex · turbulence · airspeed · wingtip
tastemaker
One who shapes trends
- influencerPerson with promotional reach
- trendsetterOne who initiates styles
- voguePrevailing popular style
fashionable · trendspotter · zeitgeist · new wave · hipster · chic · buzzworthy · iconic · mainstream · viral
- bird wing partsprimaries, secondaries, flight feathers, wing feathers, wing tip
- wing anatomyforewing, hindwing, venation, wing membrane, wing shape
- edgesborder, boundary, brim, brink, perimeter
- generationsbaby boomers, millennials, Gen Z, Gen X, baby boomer
- innovationinnovation, invention, innovative, innovate, breakthrough
- Pioneerspioneer, pioneers, forerunner, trailblazer, innovator
leading edgetrailing edge
Rear border of airfoil
rearguard · behind the times · tail end · old guard · established practice
leading edgeobsolete
No longer in use
outdated · antiquated · old-fashioned · behind the times · dated
leading edgelagging behind
bringing up the rear · trailing · behind the curve · follower · also-ran