leading

thin strip of metal used to separate lines of type in printing

the activity of leading; "his leadership inspired the team"

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"

greatest in importance or degree or significance or achievement; "our greatest statesmen"; "the country's leading poet"; "a preeminent archeologist"

going or proceeding or going in advance; showing the way; "we rode in the leading car"; "the leading edge of technology"

having the leading position or higher score in a contest; "he is ahead by a pawn"; "the leading team in the pennant race"