Crossword Genius

Scratch starter (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

itch

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

This clue might be a double definition.

'scratch' is the first definition.
(I know that scratch can be written as itch)

'starter' is the second definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how they can define each other.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for itch that I've seen before include "Something that needs a scratch" , "Tickling sensation of skin" , "burn" , "are dying" , "A nagging desire" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian, The Globe and Mail, The Irish News and The Telegraph.
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