precursor
priˈkɜrsər
Definition Synonyms

Definition of precursor - Reverso English Dictionary

Noun

1.
historyperson or thing that precedes another
  • The steam engine was a precursor to modern trains.
antecedent forerunner
2.
early indicatorsomething that comes before another and indicates its approach
  • The dark clouds were a precursor to the impending storm..
forerunner harbinger herald
3.
chemistryTECH.substance from which another is formedTECH.
  • Cholesterol is a precursor to certain hormones.
forerunner
Add a suggestion |

Expressions with precursor

💡 Discover popular phrases, idioms, collocations, or phrasal verbs. Click any expression to learn more, listen to its pronunciation, or save it to your favorites.
cell that develops into a more specialized or mature cell type
A myeloid precursor cell can give rise to several types of blood cells.

Origin of precursor

Latin, praecursor (forerunner)

Terms with precursor included in their meaning

💡 A powerful way to uncover related words, idioms, and expressions linked by the same idea — and explore meaning beyond exact word matches.
originator
precursor or forerunner in any field
precursor
person or thing that precedes and indicates the approach of another
precursor
event or act that leads to another
figurative
precursor or origin of something
history
historical precursor to modern astronomy
precursor
predecessor or model for something
growth map
descent record of cells from one precursor through division and specialization
biology
formation of fat cells from precursor cells

Examples of precursor in a sentence

  • His work is seen as a precursor to modern art.
  • The economic downturn was a precursor to widespread unemployment.
  • A sudden drop in temperature is often a precursor to snow.
  • This compound acts as a precursor in the reaction.
  • The precursor is essential for the synthesis process.

View all translations of precursor

Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
  1. French:précurseur, indicateur, ...
  2. German:Vorläufer, Anzeichen, ...
  3. Italian:precursore, antesignano, ...
  4. Spanish:precursor, predecesor, ...
  5. Portuguese:precursor, prenúncio, ...
  6. Chinese:前身, 预兆, ...
  7. Japanese:先駆け, 前兆, ...
  8. Arabic:سَلَف, نَذير, ...
  9. Hebrew:מְבַשֵּׂר, סִימָן מַקְדִּים, ...
  10. Russian:предшественник, предвестник, ...
  11. Ukrainian:попередник, передвісник, ...
  12. Hindi:अग्रदूत, पूर्वसूचक, ...

Discover how Reverso redefines the dictionary

Go beyond “simple words”

Get more than a simple definition

Go from understanding to mastery