initial
/ɪˈnɪʃəl/noun
Definitions
The first letter of a word or a name.
In plural, the first letter of each word of a person's full name considered as a unit.
Example: You can get your initials printed at the top.
A distinguished initial letter of a chapter or section of a document.
Onset, part of a syllable that precedes the syllable nucleus in phonetics and phonology.
verb
Definitions
To sign one's initial(s), as an abbreviated signature.
Example: Please initial each page and sign the contract in full at the bottom.
adjective
Definitions
Chronologically first, early; of or pertaining to the beginning, cause or origin.
Example: Our initial admiration for their efficiency gave way to disgust about their methods.
Spatially first, placed at the beginning, in the first position; especially said of the first letter of a word.
Example: The initial letter of names is usually printed with a capital letter.