starter

One that starts.

An attachment for starting an internal-combustion engine without hand cranking.

A device that initiates a flow of high voltage across the electrodes of a fluorescent lamp.

One who signals the start of a race.

A participant that starts in a game or race.

The first pitcher for a team in a game.

A pitcher who regularly begins games for a team.

The first in a series, especially the first course of a meal; an appetizer.