starter

noun

1. an electric motor for starting an engine

   noun.artifact

   Synonyms starter motor starting motor

   Source: WordNet 3.0

2. a contestant in a team sport who is in the game at the beginning

   noun.person

   Source: WordNet 3.0

3. the official who signals the beginning of a race or competition

   noun.person

   Synonyms dispatcher

   Source: WordNet 3.0

4. any new participant in some activity

   noun.person

   Synonyms entrant fledgeling fledgling freshman neophyte newbie newcomer

   Source: WordNet 3.0

5. food or drink to stimulate the appetite (usually served before a meal or as the first course)

   noun.food

   Synonyms appetiser appetizer

   Source: WordNet 3.0

6. a hand tool consisting of a rotating shaft with parallel handle

   noun.artifact

   Synonyms crank

   Source: WordNet 3.0

7. a culture containing yeast or bacteria that is used to start the process of fermentation or souring in making butter or cheese or dough

   noun.act

   Examples

   To make sourdough you need a starter.

   Source: WordNet 3.0

8. One who, or that which, starts; as, a <i>starter</i> on a journey; the <i>starter</i> of a race.

   noun

   Source: webster1913