Something that comes before and indicates what's coming next, like a warning sign or an earlier version of something.
From Latin 'praecursor' meaning 'one who runs before,' from 'prae' (before) and 'currere' (to run). It suggests something that runs ahead to announce what follows.
The precursor to the internet wasn't a computer network—it was the telegram! When messages could suddenly travel across the world instantly (1840s), people panicked about the social changes it would bring... exactly like they did with the internet 150 years later!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.