onsets

Noun

onset (plural onsets)

1. (countable) The initial phase of a disease or condition, in which symptoms first become apparent.
   • the onset of schizophrenia
2. The initial portion of a syllable, preceding the syllable nucleus.
   • The only regular sources for Sardinian *θ are Lat. ci̯ and ti̯, which are absent from Latin onsets. This means that the substantial number of words starting in *θ, discussed in § 3 – 7, cannot regularly continue a Latin form.2025, Cid Swanenvleugel, The Pre-Roman Elements of the Sardinian Lexicon, page 390
3. (acoustics) The beginning of a musical note or other sound, in which the amplitude rises from zero to an initial peak.
4. A setting about; a beginning.
   • the onset of puberty

   Synonyms:

   start, beginning, birth, font, fount, inauguration, commencement, initiation, launch, source

5. (obsolete) Anything added, such as an ornament or as a useful appendage.
   • And will with deeds requite thy gentleness:
     And, for an onset, Titus, to advance
     Thy name and honourable family,
     Lavinia will I make my empress.c. 1588–1593 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Lamentable Tragedy of Titus Andronicus”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac...
6. (archaic) An attack; an assault especially of an army.
   • Heralds, from off our towers, we might behold
     From first to last, the onset and retire
     Of both your armiesc. 1596 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Life and Death of King Iohn”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward]...

   Synonyms:

   storming

See all 9 meanings of onset