Noun: precursor pri'kur-su(r) or 'pree,kur-su(r)
- Something that precedes and indicates the approach of something or someone
"The first robin of spring is often seen as a precursor of warmer weather";
- harbinger, forerunner, predecessor, herald
- (biochemistry) a substance from which another substance is formed (especially by a metabolic reaction)
"Amino acids are precursors to proteins"
- A person who goes before or announces the coming of another
"John the Baptist is considered the precursor of Jesus in Christian tradition";
- forerunner
Derived forms: precursors
Type of: actor, doer, indicant, indication, material, stuff, worker
Encyclopedia: Precursor