leading (
http://definr.com/leading)
adj 1: indicating the most important performer or role; "the
leading man"; "prima ballerina"; "prima donna"; "a
star figure skater"; "the starring role"; "a stellar
role"; "a stellar performance" [syn:
leading(p),
prima(p),
star(p),
starring(p),
stellar(a)]
2: going or proceeding or going in advance; showing the way;
"we rode in the leading car"; "the leading edge of
technology" [ant:
following]
3: greatest in importance or degree or significance or
achievement; "our greatest statesmen"; "the country's
leading poet"; "a preeminent archeologist" [syn:
greatest,
leading(a),
preeminent]
4: having the leading position or higher score in a contest;
"he is ahead by a pawn"; "the leading team in the pennant
race" [syn:
ahead(p),
in the lead]
5: purposefully formulated to elicit a desired response; "a
leading question"
n 1: thin strip of metal used to separate lines of type in
printing [syn:
lead]
2: the activity of leading; "his leadership inspired the team"
[syn:
leadership]