precursor

noun pre·cur·sor \pri-ˈkər-sər, ˈprē-ˌ\

: something that comes before something else and that often leads to or influences its development

Full Definition of PRECURSOR

a : one that precedes and indicates the approach of another

b : predecessor

: a substance, cell, or cellular component from which another substance, cell, or cellular component is formed

— pre·cur·so·ry \-ˈkərs-rē, -ˈkər-sə-\ adjective

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Origin of PRECURSOR

Middle English precursoure, from Latin praecursor, from praecurrere to run before, from prae- pre- + currere to run — more at current

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to PRECURSOR

Synonyms: angel, foregoer, harbinger, herald, outrider, forerunner

Antonyms: descendant (also descendent)

Synonym Discussion of PRECURSOR

forerunner, precursor, harbinger, herald mean one that goes before or announces the coming of another. forerunner is applicable to anything that serves as a sign or presage <the blockade was the forerunner of war>. precursor applies to a person or thing paving the way for the success or accomplishment of another <18th century poets like Burns were precursors of the Romantics>. harbinger and herald both apply, chiefly figuratively, to one that proclaims or announces the coming or arrival of a notable event <their early victory was the harbinger of a winning season> <the herald of a new age in medicine>.

Rhymes with PRECURSOR

converser, disburser, disperser, rehearser, reverser, traverser

Medical Dictionary

precursor

noun pre·cur·sor \pri-ˈkər-sər, ˈprē-ˌ\

Medical Definition of PRECURSOR

: one that precedes and indicates the onset of another <angina may be the precursor of a second infarction>

: a substance, cell, or cellular component from which another substance, cell, or cellular component is formed especially by natural processes

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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "precursor"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "precursor"

Nglish: Translation of "precursor" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "precursor" for Arabic speakers

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