also starting-point
(~s)
1.
Something that is a ~ for a discussion or process can be used to begin it or act as a basis for it.
These proposals represent a realistic ~ for negotiation...
= basis
N-COUNT: oft N for n
2.
When you make a journey, your ~ is the place from which you start.
They had already walked a couple of miles or more from their ~.
N-COUNT: usu with supp