starter

noun

1. an electric motor for starting an engine

Definition categories: man–made

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

Definition categories: person, contestant

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

Similar word(s): dispatcher

Definition categories: person, official

4. any new participant in some activity

Similar word(s): entrant, fledgeling, fledgling, freshman, neophyte, newbie, newcomer

Definition categories: person, beginner, initiate, novice, tiro, tyro

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

Similar word(s): appetiser, appetizer

Definition categories: food, course

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

Similar word(s): crank

Definition categories: man–made

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

- to make sourdough you need a starter

Definition categories: act, culture