'precursor' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'praecursor', where 'prae-' meant 'before' and 'cursor' meant 'runner'.

'praecursor' transformed into the Old French word 'precurseur', and eventually became the modern English word 'precursor'.

Initially, it meant 'one who runs before', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'forerunner or predecessor'.