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precursor

noun

/prɪˈkəːsə/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of precursor

Something that comes before and leads to the development or existence of something else.
"The research was a precursor to major breakthroughs in the field."

Detailed meaning of precursor

It can also be defined as a sign, indication, or forerunner of something that is to come later. In science, a precursor refers to a substance or compound that takes part in a chemical reaction that produces another substance. In technology, a precursor refers to a device, process, or development that precedes and leads to the invention or development of another device, process, or technology.

In literature and art, a precursor refers to an artist or work that has a significant influence on or connection to the development of later works or movements. In history, a precursor refers to an event or person that precedes and leads to another event or person.

In summary, A precursor refers to something that comes before and leads to the development or existence of something else, it can also be defined as a sign, indication, or forerunner of something that is to come later, in science, a precursor refers to a substance or compound that takes part in a chemical reaction that produces another substance, in technology, a precursor refers to a device, process, or development that precedes and leads to the invention or development of another device, process, or technology and in literature and art, a precursor refers to an artist or work that has a significant influence on or connection to the development of later works or movements.

Example sentences containing precursor

1. The experiment was a precursor to the development of a new technology.
2. The movement was a precursor to the revolution.
3. The discovery was a precursor to the invention of a new device.
4. The agreement was a precursor to the signing of a treaty.
5. The negotiations were a precursor to the formation of a new partnership.
6. The event was a precursor to major changes in the industry.

History and etymology of precursor

The noun 'precursor' can be traced back to its Latin origins. It derives from the Latin word 'praecursor,' which is formed from two elements: 'prae,' meaning 'before,' and 'cursus,' meaning 'course' or 'running.' The term 'praecursor' referred to someone who runs ahead or goes before others, often to prepare the way or announce their coming. Over time, this concept of something or someone preceding and preparing the path for others was adapted into the English language as 'precursor.' In its current usage, 'precursor' signifies something that comes before and leads to the development or existence of something else, reflecting its etymological connection to clearing the way for what follows.

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Further usage examples of precursor

1. The protests were a precursor to the overthrow of the government.
2. The trial was a precursor to the implementation of a new law.
3. The summit was a precursor to the resolution of a global crisis.
4. The study was a precursor to the development of a new therapy.
5. The negotiations were a precursor to the signing of a historic peace accord.
6. The abacus, a precursor to calculators, simplified complex calculations in ancient times.
7. Cave paintings served as precursors to modern art forms, reflecting early human creativity.
8. Morse code, the precursor to digital communication, revolutionized long-distance messaging.
9. The steam engine, a precursor to locomotives, transformed transportation during the Industrial Revolution.
10. The printing press, a precursor to mass media, revolutionized the dissemination of information.
11. The Wright brothers' plane, a precursor to aviation, marked the dawn of powered flight.
12. The compass, a precursor to GPS, revolutionized navigation for centuries.
13. Early philosophers laid the groundwork for modern science, serving as precursors to scientific inquiry.
14. The telegraph, a precursor to instant communication, connected people across vast distances.
15. The assembly line, a precursor to mass production, streamlined manufacturing processes.
16. Ancient scrolls were precursors to books, preserving knowledge for future generations.
17. Stone tools, precursors to modern technology, aided early humans in survival.
18. The transistor, a precursor to modern electronics, revolutionized the technology industry.
19. The Sumerian cuneiform script, a precursor to writing systems, recorded ancient history.
20. Early civilizations' agricultural practices served as precursors to modern farming methods.
21. The astrolabe, a precursor to navigation instruments, guided sailors across uncharted waters.
22. The sundial, a precursor to timekeeping devices, marked the passage of hours.
23. Ancient herbal remedies were precursors to modern medicine and pharmacology.
24. Early cave dwellings served as precursors to contemporary architecture.
25. The abacus, a precursor to calculators, laid the foundation for mathematical calculations.