starter

(stärˈtər)

1. One that starts.
2. An attachment for starting an internal-combustion engine without hand cranking. Also called self-starter.
3. A device that initiates a flow of high voltage across the electrodes of a fluorescent lamp.
4. Sports
   a. One who signals the start of a race.
   b. A participant that starts in a game or race.
5. Baseball
   a. The first pitcher for a team in a game.
   b. A pitcher who regularly begins games for a team.
6. The first in a series, especially the first course of a meal; an appetizer.