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Definition of precursor

precursor

/priːˈkɝː.sɚ/
pre · cur · sor
Plural:precursors
•
Adjective:precursory
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precursor Lexical Profile

precursor Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person or thing that comes before another of the same kind, or that announces and prepares the way for something to follow.

Example

"The harpsichord was an important historical precursor to the modern piano."

2

In chemistry and biochemistry, a substance from which another, usually more active or mature substance is formed during a metabolic or chemical reaction.

Example

"Beta-carotene serves as an essential dietary precursor to vitamin A in the human body."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for precursor

• Nearby Words

precondition
preconfigure
precook
precursor
precut
predate
predation

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 15th century from Latin praecursor, meaning 'forerunner,' derived from praecurrere ('to run before'), from prae- ('before') and currere ('to run').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Precursor. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/precursor
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