"precursors" in Chinese (Simplified)

• 前体
• 前兆

Definition

前体指在某物出现之前出现并促成其发展的人或事物，也可指预兆。

Usage Notes (Chinese (Simplified))

常用于科技、历史等正式语境。表达“……的前体”可用“precursors to/of”。在口语中不常用，多见于书面语或学术语境。

Examples

Dinosaurs were the precursors of modern birds.

恐龙是现代鸟类的**前体**。

Steam engines were precursors to modern trains.

蒸汽机是现代火车的**前体**。

Some chemicals are precursors in drug production.

一些化学物质是药物生产的**前体**。

These old maps were the precursors to today’s GPS systems.

这些旧地图是今天GPS系统的**前体**。

Many scientists see these findings as precursors to a major breakthrough.

许多科学家将这些发现视为重大突破的**前兆**。

Cold nights are often precursors of snow in this region.

寒冷的夜晚常常是这一区域下雪的**前兆**。