Meaning of the word precursor in English

What does precursor mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

precursor

US /ˌpriːˈkɝː.sɚ/
UK /ˌpriːˈkɜː.sər/
"precursor" picture

Noun

1.

a person or thing that comes before another of the same kind; a forerunner

Example:
The early steam engine was a precursor to modern locomotives.
His research was a precursor to many breakthroughs in the field.
2.

a substance from which another substance is formed, especially in a metabolic reaction

Example:
Glucose is a precursor of glycogen.
Amino acids are precursors to proteins.