Definitions:

1. a culture containing yeast or bacteria that is used to start the process of fermentation or souring in making butter or cheese or dough noun
   • to make sourdough you need a starter

Synonyms:

• appetizer
• crank
• dispatcher
• entrant
• fledgeling
• fledgling
• freshman
• neophyte
• newbie
• newcomer
• starter motor
• starting motor