startingblock
nounUK /ˈstɑːtɪŋ blɒk/
US /ˈstɑːrtɪŋ blɑːk/
A small block that runners push their feet against when a race begins.
The sprinter crouched low and pressed her feet against the starting block.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Something that helps a person or project begin and make progress.
The small loan was a starting block for her new business.
3. A block of wood or stone used as a step or support at the base of something.
He stood on the starting block to reach the top shelf.
4. In computing, an initial block of data or code that begins a process.
The program reads the starting block before loading the rest of the file.