starter
In a culinary context, this term refers to the first course of a meal, serving as an appetite stimulant. It is often used interchangeably with appetizer in North American English, though starter is more common in British English. When referring to people, the term carries a connotation of novelty or entry-level status, whether in a professional career or a sporting event. In mechanical or chemical contexts, it denotes the essential catalyst or component required to initiate a larger process, such as an engine ignition or bread fermentation.
Meanings
A small dish of food served before the main course of a meal.
"We ordered a platter of calamari as a starter."
A person or thing that initiates a process or starts a machine.
"The electric starter in the car is malfunctioning."
The person who signals the beginning of a race, typically by firing a gun.
"The starter gave the signal, and the sprinters bolted from the blocks."
A person who is chosen to begin a game or competition rather than being a substitute.
"The coach decided to name the rookie as a starter for the first game of the season."