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 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

A claim against the city can be a precursor to a lawsuit.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• forerunner
• harbinger