Definitions

1. noun

something that occurs or comes before something else in time or sequence, a substance that serves as a starting material for a chemical reaction, or a person or group that anticipates or influences an event or movement

“The new technology was a precursor to the widespread adoption of smartphones.”

2. noun

a substance from which something is derived, such as a chemical precursor in a manufacturing process

“The precursor to the final product was a mixture of chemicals that needed to be further processed.”

3. noun

a person or group that precedes or influences a particular movement, event, or social change

“The civil rights movement had several precursors, including earlier protests and activism.”

4. verb

to serve as a precursor to or foreshadow something, or to produce or yield something as a result of a process

“The new data will precursor new insights into the company’s financial performance.”

5. adjective

occurring or coming before something else in time or sequence

“The precursor to the festival was a week of cultural events and performances.”