precursor
UK/.pri:'kә:sә/US
TOEFLGREC1
Definitions
n.
A person or thing that comes before and signals something to come; a forerunner
先驱，前兆
n.
A substance from which another is formed (chemistry)
前体（化合物）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedpre- (before) + curs (run) + -or (one who) = 'one who runs ahead.' A precursor runs in front, announcing what is coming — a forerunner, a warning sign, or in chemistry the substance that comes before another. curs is the cursus variant of car.
Root car still carries 96 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.precursor to something……的前兆/先驱
- 2.chemical precursor化学前体
- 3.historical precursor历史先驱
- 4.direct precursor直接前体
Example Sentences
- 1.
The telegraph was a precursor to the telephone.
- 2.
These symptoms can be a precursor to a heart attack.
- 3.
The chemical is a precursor used in manufacturing.