Precursor — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /pri-ˈkər-sər/ pre·cur·sor

Meaning & Definition of Precursor

Precursor (noun)

  1. one that precedes and indicates the approach of another
  2. predecessor
  3. a substance, cell, or cellular component from which another substance, cell, or cellular component is formed

Precursor (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. one that announces or indicates the later arrival of another

    "18th-century lyric poets like Robert Burns were precursors of the Romantics"

    similar: angel, foregoer, forerunner, harbinger, herald, outrider
    related: 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

  2. something belonging to an earlier time from which something else was later developed

    "a precursor of the modern eggplant"

    similar: ancestor, antecedent, archetype, daddy, foregoer, forerunner, granddaddy, predecessor, prototype
    related: model, original, originator, sire, father, mother
    opposite: descendant
    near: by-product, derivative, offshoot, outgrowth, spin-off, daughter, son

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Precursor

The most common words with a similar meaning to Precursor:

angel, foregoer, forerunner, harbinger, herald, outrider, ancestor, antecedent, archetype, daddy, granddaddy, predecessor, prototype

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Precursor

Words with the opposite meaning of Precursor:

descendant

Related Words for Precursor

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, model, original, originator, sire, father

Near Antonyms of Precursor

by-product, derivative, offshoot, outgrowth, spin-off, daughter, son

Word Forms of Precursor

Derived words: precursory (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Precursor

Middle English precursoure, from Latin praecursor, from praecurrere to run before, from prae- pre- + currere to run current:1

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Precursor

What does "Precursor" mean?

"Precursor" means one that precedes and indicates the approach of another. As a noun, it is defined as: one that precedes and indicates the approach of another. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Precursor"?

Other words for "Precursor" include angel, foregoer, forerunner, harbinger, herald, outrider, ancestor and antecedent. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Precursor" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Precursor"?

There are 44 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Precursor". Common alternatives include angel, foregoer, forerunner, harbinger, herald, outrider, ancestor, antecedent, archetype and daddy.

What is the opposite of "Precursor"?

Antonyms of "Precursor" include descendant. Near antonyms include by-product, derivative, offshoot and outgrowth.

How do you use "Precursor" in a sentence?

Examples of "Precursor" in a sentence: "18th-century lyric poets like Robert Burns were precursors of the Romantics"; "a precursor of the modern eggplant".

Is "Precursor" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Precursor" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Precursor"?

"Precursor" is pronounced /pri-ˈkər-sər/ and divided into syllables as pre·cur·sor.

What is the origin of the word "Precursor"?

"Precursor" comes from Middle English precursoure, from Latin praecursor, from praecurrere to run before, from prae- pre- + currere to run current:1. First known use: 15th century.