What is an appetizer?

Most of us have a good idea of what we would constitute as an appetizer. But just to clarify for anyone who might not be sure, I decided to look up the official definitions so there would be no doubt.
Answers.com definition is:
Answer: An appetizer is a food or drink served usually before a meal to stimulate the appetite.
Answer: Appetizers are foods before your meal that aren't as big.

Answer: Appetizers are light foods served before the meal.

Definitions of appetizer on the Web:

• food or drink to stimulate the appetite (usually served before a meal or as the first course) wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn
• Hors d'œuvre (; , literally "apart from the main work") or appetizers are food items served before the main courses of a meal. ... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appetizer
• A small, light, and usually savory first course in a meal en.wiktionary.org/wiki/appetizer
• Light foods served before a meal. These may be hot or cold or served as finger food. www.glutenfreeda.com/glossary.asp
• A small portion of food served at the beginning of a meal. See Crockpot Appetizers or the Appetizers Index for recipes. southernfood.about.com/library/info/bld_a.htm
• Stimulates the appetite. Ayurvedic herbs examples: hingvastak, trikatu. www.aarogya.com/index.php
• An herb or substance that excites or increases the appetite. (Syn: digestive) www.motherherbs.com/herb-glossary.html

No matter which definition you choose for your interpretation I know that personally appetizers are most often my favorite part of a meal. If you have a favorite appetizer recipe that you love and would be willing to share we welcome it. Have a great Monday, and maybe try out a new appetizer recipe while you're at it.