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Definition forerunner in British English

forerunner noun

[countable] noun
/ˈfɔːˌrʌnə(r)/
1

an institution, custom, or thing that existed before a newer but similar thing

Example

Mansholt served as Agricultural Commissioner of the EEC, forerunner of the European Union.

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2

an animal or plant that existed before an animal or plant that it is related to

Example

Tree shrews are believed to be forerunners of monkeys.

Synonyms and related words
Definition forerunner in British English