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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.

Trump had implemented tariffs on China before his April announcement, levying 20% on Chinese imports over the country’s role in producing precursor chemicals that play a major role in the U.S. fentanyl crisis.

From

Some see Maine as a precursor to what California can expect: a Trump administration attempt to halt federal education funding.

From

It’s an idea that has existed in most cultures and religions for millennia — glorifying cleaning as a spiritual act or the precursor to a spiritual act.

From

On March 18, Allen’s family filed a claim against the city of Santa Monica, a precursor to a lawsuit.

From

Humanitarian groups are begging Israel and the international community to preserve the ceasefire and rush aid to improve conditions at these camps — hopefully, as a precursor to reconstruction.

From

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