<p><strong>Adjective</strong></p><ul><li>of, relating to, or occurring at the beginning; first: the initial step in a process</li><li>Phonetics: occurring at the beginning of a word or syllable, as the (k) sound of kite, chasm, or quay</li></ul><p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>an initial letter, as of a word</li><li>the first letter of a proper name</li><li>a letter of extra size or an ornamental character used at the beginning of a chapter or other division of a book, manuscript, or the like</li></ul><p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used with object) to mark or sign with an initial or the initials of one's name, especially as a token of preliminary or informal approval</li></ul>