◙ noun 1. a person or thing that starts an event, activity, or process, in particular • 开头的人（或事），尤指 (chiefly Brit.)the first course of a meal, especially one with three or more courses • [主英] 第一道菜 an automatic device for starting a machine, especially the engine of a vehicle • （机器的）自动启动装置（尤指车辆引擎） a person who gives the signal for the start of a race • （赛跑的）发令员 [with adj.] a horse, competitor, or player taking part in a race or game at the start • 参赛的马（或竞争者、选手） »the trainer has confirmed Cool Ground as a definite starter. 驯马师已证实“酷场”肯定是匹参赛的马。 [Baseball] the pitcher who starts the game • [棒球] （开赛的）投手 [with adj.] a person or thing that starts in a specified way, especially with reference to time or speed • （尤指时间或速度方面）以某种方式起步者，以某种方式开端的事物 »he was a late starter in photography. 他在摄影方面起步较晚。 »I'm just a slow starter. 我不过是个起步缓慢者。 a topic, question, or other item with which to start a group discussion or course of study • （小组讨论或教程的）开端话题（或问题、其他项目） »material to act as a starter for discussion. 作为讨论开端的资料。 (a starter )[informal] a plan or idea that has a chance of succeeding and is therefore worthy of consideration • [非正式] 可行计划（或想法） »she began to think that she must move away, yet she knew that it was not even a starter. 她开始认为她必须搬走，然而她知道这一开始就行不通。 (也作 starter culture)a bacterial culture used to initiate souring in making yogurt, cheese, or butter • 酵母 a preparation of chemicals to initiate the breakdown of vegetable matter in making compost • （制造化肥时使植物性物质分解的）促酵剂，引酵物 a railway signal controlling the starting of trains from a station or other location • （火车的）发车信号
【IDIOMS】
◘ for starters 1. [informal] first of all; to start with • [非正式] 首先；一开始，开始时 ◘ under starter's orders 1. (of horses, runners, or other competitors) ready to start a race and just waiting for the signal • （马、赛跑运动员等竞赛者）等候号令准备起跑