Onset

/ˈɒnˌsɛt/ · noun

Meaning

(medicine) The initial phase of a disease or condition, in which symptoms first become apparent..

Definitions by Sense

1. (medicine) The initial phase of a disease or condition, in which symptoms first become apparent.
2. (phonology) The initial portion of a syllable, preceding the syllable nucleus.
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.
5. (obsolete) Anything added, such as an ornament or as a useful appendage.
6. (archaic) An attack; an assault especially of an army.
7. (obsolete) To assault; to set upon.
8. (obsolete) To set about; to begin.

Example Sentences

the onset of schizophrenia

In mild cases of hypergonadism prior to puberty, the onset of physical and mood changes may not be abnormally early or significant enough to cause any psychological or long-term physical complications.

Widely credited as an early pioneer of the modern railway, Shooter died peacefully of his own choosing in Switzerland on December 13, having bravely lived with the onset of motor neurone disease in the final years of his life.

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.

the onset of puberty

There is surely no greater wisdom than well to time the beginnings and onsets of things.

Floods in northern India, mostly in the small state of Uttarakhand, have wrought disaster on an enormous scale. The early, intense onset of the monsoon on June 14th swelled rivers, washing away roads, bridges, hotels and even whole villages. Rock-filled torrents smashed vehicles and homes, burying victims under rubble and sludge.

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.

Synonyms for onset

Antonyms for onset

Related Words

Word Forms

• onsets
• onsetting
• onset

Usage Notes

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