Definition of "premonitory" [pre•mon•i•to•ry]

• Serving as a warning. (adjective)

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• "Scientists have long known about this so-called premonitory phase, which occurs well before the better-known aura, the flashing lights and wavy lines that about 30% of migraine sufferers see shortly before the headache begins."
• "In the early stage, that which might be called premonitory, while the patient is yet able to be about his business, but is complaining of the symptoms above named, he should, as far as possible, abstain from exercise and food, and take of _Baptisia_ and _Phosphorus_ alternately,"
• "-- Heaven grant that little snort be not what the medical people call a premonitory symptom -- if so, he'll be in upon me now in no time."