leading edge

leading edge

1. adjective Of or being the most advanced position, practice, or technology in a given area, activity, or endeavor. Sometimes hyphenated. Scientists at the local university are pioneering the nation's most leading-edge cancer research. The company has released some of the most leading-edge smartphones in the world.
2. noun The most advanced position, practice, or technology in a given area, activity, or endeavor. The work their organization is doing at the moment is the leading edge of public health. Anthony's fascination with gadgetry always has him at the leading edge of the latest technology.
See also: edge, leading
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

cutting edge, at/on the

In the forefront of new developments. The analogy is to the sharp edge of a knife or other tool, which is in front during the act of cutting. The term came into use in the field of scientific and technologic research about 1950 and soon was extended to practically any area of endeavor. For example, in a radio interview on November 14, 1989, Craig Wich, the director of Opera Lab, explained that his organization’s approach to integrating movement, emotion, and singing was at the cutting edge of a new approach to opera (Boston, WCRB). A similar metaphor widely used is the leading edge. Dating from the 1870s and at first describing only the forward edge of a rudder or propeller blade that cuts the water, it was later expanded to mean any device or system that extends an aircraft’s speed, altitude, and range, and eventually transferred to the vanguard of anything—“the leading edge of technology,” for example.
See also: cutting, on
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • bleeding edge
  • flat chat
  • flat strap
  • hit and miss
  • hit or miss
  • hit-and-miss
  • in demand
  • Can do
  • can-do
  • dooper
References in periodicals archive
13-14: Leadership from the Inside Out: Core Skills for Managers; Leading Edge Seminars; Toronto; leadingedgeseminars.org
Calendar Canada
Finally, trailing edge boomers appear to be more confident in their knowledge regarding financial matters in general, as a significantly higher percentage view themselves as very knowledgeable compared with leading edge boomers.
Not all boomers are created equal
Instead she said the type of adverts that appealed to leading edge consumers were subtle and suggestive and used quiet cues which were recognised by their target audience.
Explicit ads are boring
We have been recognised for our high standards of teaching,our innovative skills and the use of new technology.'' Mr Murphy described being named a leading edge school as ``a fantastic achievement'' but said they have worked very hard to get there.
In top form; Super school will set an example to others
Leading Edge asked for a pounds 40 deposit, which would be refunded after five batches of 1,000 envelopes had been completed.
Sorted: Get stuffed; CASH CON HITS HOME WORKER
The Leading Edge Group is a market research company headquartered in Commack, N.Y.
READY TO ADAPT
An integrated combo controller requires expertise in both a stand-alone CD-RW controller with leading edge performance and a DVD-ROM controller capability.
Challenges Of CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive Design
Goglanian agreed to have the first Leading Edge Performance Link Spiral System Belt installation at his bakery in Santa Ana, Calif.
Leading Edge performance link spiral system belt
Is your organization leading edge? Where's your organization on the continuum?
What Distinguishes Leading-Edge Finance Departments?
In the second frame the shell's leading edge has just hit the companion's surface, and by the third the leading edge is converging downstream.
A Supernova and Its Companion
Use Protegol PU coatings from TIB for leading edge protection over PE shrink sleeves in HDD or thrust bore applications.
Protegol--Leading Edge Protection for HDD and Thrust Bore Pipes
Eighteen local CPA firms have joined in the launch of a new firm association, the Leading Edge Alliance.
THE LEADING EDGE: ANOTHER CPA ALLIANCE
Teams using the Mercedes-Benz V8 and accompanying engine management electronics by Italy's Magneti Marelli, an international supplier of automotive components and systems, are at the leading edge of in-car information systems with a display that employs a small LCD screen on the center of the steering wheel.
Learning curve
RSV's goal is the application of leading edge computer and communications technologies to small business information management.
NEW RSV WEBSITE INCLUDES PIA FRAMEWORK TECHNOLOGY
The leading edge of the jamming pulse will now precede the leading edge of the skin return pulse, so it can steal the leading edge tracker.
Deceptive jamming techniques - range gate pull-off