STARTER

n. 1 a person or thing that starts. 2 an esp. automatic device for starting the engine of a motor vehicle etc. 3 a person giving the signal for the start of a race. 4 a horse or competitor starting in a race (a list of probable starters). 5 the first course of a meal. 6 the initial action etc. for starters sl. to start with. under starter's orders (of racehorses etc.) in a position to start a race and awaiting the starting-signal.