precursor
(noun)
noun
1. a substance from which another substance is formed (especially by a metabolic reaction)
Definition categories: substance, material, stuff
2. a person who goes before or announces the coming of another
Similar word(s): forerunner
Definition categories: person, individual, mortal, somebody, someone, soul
3. something that precedes and indicates the approach of something or someone
Similar word(s): forerunner, harbinger, herald, predecessor
Definition categories: communication, indicant, indication