vanguard
/ˈvængɑːd/noun
1- a group of people leading the way in new developments or ideas（新发展或新思想的）先驱者; 前卫：
the experimental spirit of the modernist vanguard.
现代主义先驱的实验精神。
1.1
- a position at the forefront of new developments or ideas先锋地位：
the prototype was in the vanguard of technical development.
该原型处于技术发展的先锋地位。
1.2
- the foremost part of an advancing army or naval force先头部队。
词源
late Middle English (denoting the foremost part of an army)： shortening of Old French avan(t)garde, from avant 'before' + garde 'guard'.