initial Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the first letter of a word (especially a person's name)
    • he refused to put the initials FRS after his name
  2. verb mark with one's initials
  3. adjective satellite occurring at the beginning
    • took the initial step toward reconciliation

WordNet

In*i"tial adjective
Etymology
L. initialis, from initium a going in, entrance, beginning, fr. inire to go into, to enter, begin; pref. in- in + ire to go: cf. F. initial. See Issue, and cf. Commence.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to the beginning; marking the commencement; incipient; commencing; as, the initial symptoms of a disease.
  2. Placed at the beginning; standing at the head, as of a list or series; as, the initial letters of a name.
In*i"tial noun
Definitions
  1. The first letter of a word or a name.
In*i"tial transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Initialed ; present participle & verbal noun Initialing
Definitions
  1. To put an initial to; to mark with an initial of initials. R.

Webster 1913