Main Entry: pre·cur·sor

Pronunciation: \pri-ˈkər-sər, ˈprē-ˌ\

Function: noun

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

Date: 15th century

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

synonyms see forerunner

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