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Precursor (Noun)

A substance from which another substance is formed (especially by a metabolic reaction).

Nouns denoting substances.

Acetyl-CoA is a precursor molecule that is necessary for the production of fatty acids.
Tyrosine is the precursor amino acid that is converted into neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
Glucose-6-phosphate is the precursor for glycogen synthesis in the liver and muscles.
Mevalonate is the precursor to isoprene and the compound is formed during cholesterol synthesis.
HMG-CoA is a precursor for ketone bodies in the liver.

A person who goes before or announces the coming of another.

Nouns denoting people.

John the Baptist is often referred to as the precursor to Jesus Christ, preparing the way for his teachings and ministry.
The herald's arrival was a precursor to the king's, signaling to the villagers that their monarch was about to arrive.
In many cultures, a messenger is seen as a precursor to a great leader, announcing their arrival and preparing the people for their presence.
The prophet's words were a precursor to the great change that was to come, warning the people of the consequences of their actions.
The angel Gabriel is often depicted as a precursor to the birth of Jesus, appearing to Mary to announce the miraculous event.

Something that precedes and indicates the approach of something or someone.

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.

The stormy weather was a precursor to the hurricane that hit the coast the next day.
The sound of sirens was a precursor to the arrival of the emergency responders.
The company's financial struggles were a precursor to its eventual bankruptcy.
The symptoms of fatigue and fever were a precursor to the diagnosis of a serious illness.
The increased seismic activity was a precursor to the massive earthquake that struck the region.