precursor
UK: priːˈkɜːsə | US: priːˈkɜːrsər
n. something that comes before another and leads to its development
n. a person or thing that precedes and indicates the approach of another
precursor = pre<before> + curs<run> + or<noun suffix>
- pre (from Latin prae, meaning "before")
- curs (from Latin currere, meaning "to run")
- or (Latin agent noun suffix, indicating "one who does something")
Etymology Origin:
The word precursor originates from Latin praecursor, combining prae- (before) and cursor (runner). It literally means "one who runs ahead," reflecting its modern sense of something that precedes and signals the arrival of another. The root currere (to run) is also seen in words like current and course, emphasizing movement or progression.
The sudden drop in temperature was a precursor to the snowstorm.
Galileo’s work was a precursor to modern physics.
Dark clouds are often a precursor of heavy rain.
The invention of the telegraph was a precursor to modern communication systems.
Early symptoms can serve as precursors to more serious health issues.