precursor

noun

pre·​cur·​sor pri-ˈkər-sər  ˈprē-ˌkər- 

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

precursory

pri-ˈkərs-rē 

-ˈkər-sə-

adjective

Did you know?

Precursor Has Latin Roots

With its prefix pre-, meaning "before", a precursor is literally a "forerunner", and in fact forerunner first appeared as the translation of the Latin praecursor. But the two words function a little differently today. A forerunner may simply come before another thing, but a precursor generally paves the way for something. So, for example, the Office of Strategic Services in World War II was the immediate precursor of today's Central Intelligence Agency, while the blues music of the 1930s and 1940s was only one of the precursors of the rock and roll of today.

Synonyms

• angel
• foregoer
• forerunner
• harbinger
• herald
• outrider

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of precursor in a Sentence

18th-century lyric poets like Robert Burns were precursors of the Romantics

a precursor of the modern eggplant

Recent Examples on the Web

Such a filing with the state is often a precursor to a lawsuit. —Doha Madani, NBC News, 27 Dec. 2024

While not formally a lawsuit, Lively’s action is clearly a precursor to an official filing in the courts to come. —Denise Petski, Deadline, 24 Dec. 2024

The commitment to work together on wildlife conservation and environmental education is a first for Arizona and could be a precursor to refuge designation. —Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 23 Dec. 2024

Connecticut lawmakers argued that the 48-hour spending fight is a precursor to what the next year could look like when Trump returns to office and Republicans regain complete control of Congress. —Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 23 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English precursoure, from Latin praecursor, from praecurrere to run before, from prae- pre- + currere to run — more at current entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

precursor

noun

pre·​cur·​sor pri-ˈkər-sər  ˈprē-ˌkər- 

1

: predecessor

2

: a substance or cell from which another substance or cell is formed

Medical Definition

precursor

noun

pre·​cur·​sor pri-ˈkər-sər  ˈprē-ˌ 

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