starter

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
  • to make sourdough you need a starter
    

• a hand tool consisting of a rotating shaft with parallel handle

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

• any new participant in some activity

• the official who signals the beginning of a race or competition

• a contestant in a team sport who is in the game at the beginning

• an electric motor for starting an engine

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  crank , appetizer , appetiser , newcomer , fledgling , fledgeling , neophyte , freshman , newbie , entrant , dispatcher , starter motor , starting motor