precursor

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a substance from which another substance is formed (especially by a metabolic reaction)
  2. noun a person who goes before or announces the coming of another
  3. noun something that precedes and indicates the approach of something or someone

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English precursour, from Middle French precurseur or its etymon Latin praecursor (“forerunner”). By surface analysis, precurse + -or.

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