precursor

pre·cur·sor

noun \pri-ˈkər-sər, ˈprē-ˌ\

Definition of PRECURSOR

1

a : one that precedes and indicates the approach of another b : predecessor

2

: a substance, cell, or cellular component from which another substance, cell, or cellular component is formed

— pre·cur·so·ry \-ˈkərs-rē, -ˈkər-sə-\ adjective

Examples of PRECURSOR

1. <18th-century lyric poets like Robert Burns were precursors of the Romantics>
2. <a precursor of the modern eggplant>

Origin of PRECURSOR

Middle English precursoure, from Latin praecursor, from praecurrere to run before, from prae- pre- + currere to run — more at current

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to PRECURSOR

Synonyms: angel, foregoer, harbinger, herald, outrider, forerunner

Antonyms: descendant (also descendent)

Related Words: foreboder, foreshadower, foretaste, forewarning; advertiser, announcer, blazoner, crier, proclaimer; courier, messenger, runner; augury, auspice, boding, foreboding, foreshadowing, omen, portent, prefiguring, presage; mark, sign, symptom; bellwether

Near Antonyms: by-product, derivative, offshoot, outgrowth, spin-off; daughter, son

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at forerunner

Rhymes with PRECURSOR

converser, disburser, disperser, rehearser, reverser, traverser