precursor
Americannoun
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a person or thing that precedes, as in a job, a method, etc.; predecessor.
- Synonyms:
- forerunner
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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
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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.
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Biology. a cell or tissue that gives rise to a variant, specialized, or more mature form.
noun
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a person or thing that precedes and shows or announces someone or something to come; harbinger
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a predecessor or forerunner
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a chemical substance that gives rise to another more important substance
Etymology
Origin of precursor
1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin praecursor forerunner. See pre-, cursor
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Moody’s also recently saw a material increase in quarterly revenue in its ratings assessment service, which is usually a precursor to future debt issuance, the analysts say.
Moody’s also recently saw a material increase in quarterly revenue in its ratings assessment service, which is usually a precursor to future debt issuance, the analysts say.
The separation of Kraken, which Octopus flagged in September and expects to occur by the middle of 2026, is seen by analysts as a precursor to a likely initial public offering.
This holiday film is the precursor to Prime Video’s new animated comedy series “Bat-Fam.”
From Salon
They also exhibit a rare respect for women, believing that “God must be both male and female,” and are a precursor to the group Ann herself will come to lead, known simply as the Shakers.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
