plural of starthistle

Any of the genus Centaurea of herbaceous thistle-like flowering plants.

(informal) As an initial point; before any other considerations.

By sudden fits or starts; spasmodically.

(meteorology) A rapidly expanding disc-shaped region of luminosity, lasting less than a thousandth of a second, seen high above energetic lightning associated with hail-producing regions of thunderstorms, reaching up no higher than about 12 miles altitude.

(archaic) second-person singular simple present form of start

(informal) A first marriage for an individual or couple that either was short-lived or is expected to be unsuccessful, especially when viewed as serving as preparation for a subsequent marriage.

plural of starter marriage

(colloquial) Easily startled; skittish.

(colloquial) Apt to start in fright; skittish; shy; said especially of a horse.