start (EN)

noun, verb, noun

noun “start”

1. the beginning of an activity
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   We planned our project carefully, ensuring a smooth start.
2. the designated place where a race or game is initiated
   Runners lined up at the start, ready to sprint as soon as the gun fired.
3. a sudden, quick movement made involuntarily
   She gave a start when the thunder crashed loudly.
4. a young plant that is grown in a container before being moved to a permanent location
   I bought tomato starts to plant in my vegetable garden this spring.
5. an early lead or advantage in a competition or situation
   She had a start on the competition thanks to her early training.

verb “start”

1. to take the first step in doing something; to initiate an action or process
   We plan to start our road trip at dawn.
2. to activate a vehicle or machine so that it begins to operate
   He started the car and let it warm up for a few minutes.
3. to react with a quick movement due to surprise or to cause such a reaction
   The mouse darted out and started the cat, causing it to leap into the air.

noun “start”

1. something that sticks out or extends from a surface
   The shelf has a start at one end that keeps books from sliding off.
2. the handle of a tool or piece of equipment, often used for steering or control
   He gripped the start of the plough firmly as he prepared the field for planting.
3. the part of a water wheel bucket that is shaped to catch and direct the flow of water
   The engineer examined the start of the water wheel to ensure it was functioning properly.
4. the lever or bar in a machine that is moved by an animal to perform work
   The farmer attached the horse to the start to begin working the cotton gin.