PRECURSOR definition: 1. something that happened or existed before another thing, especially if it either developed into…. Learn more. PRECURSOR meaning: 1. something that happened or existed before another thing, especially if it either developed into…. Learn more. A precursor is a person or thing that comes before something similar and that leads to or influences its development. Learn how to use this word in different contexts, see synonyms and examples, and check pronunciation and word origin. A precursor is something or someone that precedes and indicates, suggests, or announces someone or something to come. It can also be a biochemical substance that gives rise to another more important substance, or a cell or tissue that gives rise to a variant, specialized, or more mature form.
