What "pawn" means in chess

A pawn is a piece that is both the least powerful, and potentially the most powerful. It is represented by a small, flat, and cylindrical piece with a pointed top. The pawn is usually positioned in front of the other pieces and can move forward one or two spaces on its first move, and then only one space at a time thereafter. It can capture an opposing piece by moving diagonally one square forward. Pawns can be promoted to other pieces if they reach the opponent's side of the board.