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

These chairs are widely regarded as precursors of modern office chairs that swivel and tilt.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Instead, they pass through intermediate precursor structures before forming an ordered crystal.

Read more on Science Daily

The SAG Awards have long been a reliable precursor to the Oscars on the awards season calendar, with last year being an exception.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The Spaniard brought only 11 ships, some 450 men, 16 horses and a modest collection of cannons, crossbows and arquebuses, precursors to the musket.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

And like its precursor, Mr. Icke’s version takes place in a single setting, in this case an expansive boardroom with looming gray walls, the headquarters of Oedipus’ campaign.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• forerunner 
• harbinger