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

The researchers also found that the gene expression in these newly formed stem cells actually differs from their precursor cells.

From Science Daily

"The amount of energy diverted to the biodiesel precursor, lipid, is even lower as lipid has high energy intensity," he said.

From Science Daily

A task force in California has already seized 4.4 pounds of pink powder containing ketamine and despropionyl fentanyl, a fentanyl precursor, a recent study reported.

From Los Angeles Times

Chemical precursors are largely sourced from chemical companies in China that sell their products internationally.

From Los Angeles Times

The fall is also a precursor to darkness.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• forerunner
• harbinger