First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
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
1
a : one that precedes and indicates the approach of another b : predecessor
2
: 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
Related to PRECURSOR
- 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>.
Medical Dictionary
precursor
noun pre·cur·sor \pri-ˈkər-sər, ˈprē-ˌ\
Medical Definition of PRECURSOR
1
: one that precedes and indicates the onset of another <angina may be the precursor of a second infarction>
2
: a substance, cell, or cellular component from which another substance, cell, or cellular component is formed especially by natural processes
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