frontier
frontier Lexical Profile
frontier Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A line or border separating two countries.
"Travelers had to present their passports to customs officials at the mountain frontier."
North American The extreme limit of settled land beyond which lies wilderness, especially in the historical westward expansion of the United States.
"Nineteenth-century pioneers built log cabins as they pushed the frontier further west."
The outer limit of knowledge, achievement, or exploration in a particular field.
"Deep-sea exploration remains an exciting scientific frontier with thousands of undiscovered species."
• adjective
Relating to or situated on a border or the outer edge of settled territory.
"Life in the small frontier town required resilience and close cooperation among neighbors."
Relating to the most advanced, innovative, or newly developing area of research or activity.
"The institute secures funding for frontier research in quantum computing and renewable energy."
Word Nuance & Usage
In British English, 'frontier' typically refers to an international border between two sovereign countries, whereas in American English it primarily denotes the remote edge of settled territory facing the wilderness.
• Rhymes for frontier
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 15th century from Old French 'frontiere', meaning a borderland or military front line, derived from Latin 'frons' (forehead or front).