onset

[on-set, awn-]

noun

1. a beginning or start.

   the onset of winter.

2. an assault or attack.

   an onset of the enemy.

3. Phonetics.,  the segment of a syllable preceding the nucleus, as the gr in great.

onset

/ ˈɒnˌsɛt /

noun

1. an attack; assault

2. a start; beginning

Word History and Origins

Origin of onset¹

1525–35; on + set, after the verb phrase set on

Example Sentences

Horner noted that future studies could test whether reducing screen exposure in the hours before bedtime, when screen light may disrupt circadian rhythms and delay sleep onset, helps lower cardiometabolic risk.

Read more on Science Daily

“We categorically reject any claims of providing any form of support to either warring party since the onset of the civil war,” a U. A.E official said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The song is about a late-season baseball game before the onset of winter, a metaphor for a relationship about to freeze over.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

This work allowed them to outline, for the first time, the chain of biological events that ultimately leads to the onset of MS.

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Even being able to say that allergy rates plateaued “would be huge news, but the fact that we actually saw a reduction in the onset of new food allergy in kids under 3 is incredible.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• commencement 
• dawning 
• onslaught 
• outbreak 
• outset