1) Medical terminology 1) Precursor 
Latin, meaning: forerunner 
A prodromus (`forerunner` or `precursor`) aka prodrome is a term used in the natural sciences to describe a preliminary publication intended as the basis for a later, more comprehensive work. It is also a medical term used for a premonitory symptom, that is, a symptom indicating the onset of a disease. Notable prodromi were Prodromus Entomolog...
• (n.) A prodrome. • (n.) A preliminary course or publication; -- used esp. in the titles of elementary works.
Synonym for prodrome ... An early or premonitory symptom of a disease. ... Synonym: prodromus. ... Origin: G. Prodromos, a running before, fr. Pro-+ dromos, a running, a course ... (05 Mar 2000) ... 
Prod'ro·mus noun [ New Latin ] 1. A prodrome. 2. A preliminary course or publication; -- used esp. in the titles of elementary works. 
Type: Term Pronunciation: prod′rō-mŭs, -mī Synonyms: prodrome