precursor

[pri-kur-ser, pree-kur-]

noun

1. a person or thing that precedes, as in a job, a method, etc.; predecessor.

   Synonyms: forerunner

2. a person, animal, or thing that goes before and indicates the approach of someone or something else; harbinger.

   The first robin is a precursor of spring.

   Synonyms: herald

3. Chemistry, Biochemistry.,  a chemical that is transformed into another compound, as in the course of a chemical reaction, and therefore precedes that compound in the synthetic pathway.

   Cholesterol is a precursor of testosterone.

4. Biology.,  a cell or tissue that gives rise to a variant, specialized, or more mature form.

precursor

/ prɪˈkɜːsə /

noun

1. a person or thing that precedes and shows or announces someone or something to come; harbinger

2. a predecessor or forerunner

3. a chemical substance that gives rise to another more important substance

Word History and Origins

Origin of precursor¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin praecursor forerunner. See pre-, cursor

Word History and Origins

Origin of precursor¹

C16: from Latin praecursor one who runs in front, from praecurrere, from prae in front + currere to run

Example Sentences

The same went for children born in quasi-sovereign tribal Indian enclaves, precursors of today’s reservations.

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Another 70 have filed claims, which are precursors to lawsuits.

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But many of his ideological precursors hailed government threats and cheered for Big Brother to assert janitorial duties in the “wasteland.”

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This prolonged battle has formed a bullish ascending triangle, often a precursor to powerful upside moves.

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A state of emergency is a precursor to enacting an eviction moratorium for households that have lost income due to the raids, an action supervisors are interested in pursuing.

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Related Words

• forerunner 
• harbinger