starter

(noun) an electric motor for starting an engine. Synonyms: starter motor, starting motor.

(noun) a contestant in a team sport who is in the game at the beginning.

(noun) the official who signals the beginning of a race or competition. Synonyms: dispatcher.

(noun) any new participant in some activity. Synonyms: newcomer, fledgling, fledgeling, neophyte, freshman, newbie, entrant.

(noun) food or drink to stimulate the appetite (usually served before a meal or as the first course). Synonyms: appetizer, appetiser.

(noun) a hand tool consisting of a rotating shaft with parallel handle. Synonyms: crank.

(noun) a culture containing yeast or bacteria that is used to start the process of fermentation or souring in making butter or cheese or dough. Examples: "To make sourdough you need a starter."