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self-starter

self-starter

6.1
A motor that starts an engine by itself
  • noun
  • /ˈsɛlfˌstɑːrtər/
  • Archaic
translation icon : motor de arranque
  • The mechanic replaced the faulty self-starter in my car last week.

Examples

  • Without a functioning self-starter, the engine would not turn over.

  • The new model has a powerful self-starter.

  • Most modern vehicles are equipped with a self-starter to simplify ignition.

  • Many modern cars come equipped with a self-starter.

  • The car's self-starter made it easy to begin driving with just the turn of a key.

  • Thanks to the self-starter, the engine roared to life immediately, even on a cold morning.

  • With the new self-starter installed, I no longer worry about manually starting my old truck.

Synonyms

starter
vsself-starter
34 3.5

A device that makes a car or machine engine start

refers specifically to an automatic electric motor for vehicle engines
starter motor
vsself-starter
  • Specialized
1 4.0

An electric motor that turns a car engine to start it

is automatic and starts engines without any manual action
starting motor
vsself-starter
  • Specialized
3.7

A small electric motor in a car that turns the engine to start it

focuses on automatic start rather than the mechanical crankshaft action

How Easy

self-starter
  • Archaic
6.1
starter
34 3.5
to lever
3 4.9
pull chain
1 4.7

Surface Forms

self-starter singular
self-starters plural

Morphology

self-starter = self + starter (transparent) = self + start + er

The device meaning is directly compositional: a 'starter' that operates by or for itself (automatic starter).

Etymology

Self-starter first named a machine that could start an engine by itself; the parts self- 'by oneself' and starter 'one who starts' show it is a motor that makes the car run without help.