onset

About 15.08 uses per million words.

Meaning

1. noun The initial phase of a disease or condition, in which symptoms first become apparent.

   the onset of schizophrenia

2. noun The initial portion of a syllable, preceding the syllable nucleus.
3. noun The beginning of a musical note or other sound, in which the amplitude rises from zero to an initial peak.
4. noun A setting about; a beginning.

   the onset of puberty

5. noun Anything added, such as an ornament or as a useful appendage.
6. noun An attack; an assault especially of an army.
7. verb To assault; to set upon.
8. verb To set about; to begin.

Similar words

attack onslaught onrush oncoming rash outbreak flare-up outburst break-up burst

Often followed by

of and is in diabetes or was may with

Word family

onsets