In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase underlined:The professor's thesis was the precursor of nuclear studies

In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase underlined:The professor's thesis was the precursor of nuclear studies

Answer Details

The option nearest in meaning to the underlined word "precursor" is "forerunner." "Precursor" means something that comes before and leads to the development of something else. In this context, the professor's thesis is described as the precursor of nuclear studies, meaning that it laid the foundation for the development of nuclear studies. Therefore, the correct sentence could also be: "The professor's thesis was the forerunner of nuclear studies," which means that the professor's thesis came before and paved the way for the development of nuclear studies.