ˈ ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ noun
1. : something that actuates itself : perpetuum mobile
2.
a. : any of various more or less automatic attachments for starting an internal combustion engine other than the simple starting crank or an auxiliary turning engine
b. : a machine or vehicle equipped with such an attachment
3. : one that has initiative
the officials associated with its further progress have to be self-starters if that progress is to take place — Atlantic