[ap-i-tahy-zer] 
| 1. | a small portion of a food or drink served before or at the beginning of a meal to stimulate the desire to eat. |
| 2. | any small portion that stimulates a desire for more or that indicates more is to follow: The first game was an appetizer to a great football season. |
| ap·pe·tiz·er (āp'ĭ-tī'zər) n. A food or drink served usually before a meal to stimulate the appetite. |
appetizer
food eaten to pique the appetite or to moderate the hunger stimulated by drink. Cocktails, especially aperitifs, the characteristic "dryness" of which allegedly stimulates the appetite, are customarily served with appetizers. Hors d'oeuvres, small portions of savoury foods, often highly seasoned, and canapes, small pieces of bread, crackers, or croutons with various toppings, are the classic appetizer categories
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ɪˌtaɪ
