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View synonyms for

precursor

[pri-kur-ser, pree-kur-]

noun

  1. a person or thing that precedes, as in a job, a method, etc.; predecessor.

    Synonyms:
  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:
  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

/ ɪˈɜːə /

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

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of precursor1

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin praecursor forerunner. See pre-, cursor
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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
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

His patients and their families were worried that the voices might be precursors of psychosis such as schizophrenia.

From

At just over 100 pages long, the commission's interim findings are a precursor to the main report, which is expected be published later this summer and give recommendations.

From

But while that deal seemed like a precursor to moving on from the USC series, Sports Illustrated reported this week that it was not expected to stand in the way of continuing with the Trojans.

From

A FBI terrorism investigator said in court filings that police recovered 130 pounds of bomb-making chemicals, called precursors, from the garage of Beal’s Long Beach home.

From

Sharony’s attorney, Matthew Umhofer, said he has not received any response to the whistleblower complaint, which is a precursor to a lawsuit.

From

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