Background for onset

onset

/ˈɒnˌsɛt/ /ˈɔnˌsɛt/ /ˈɑnˌsɛt/

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noun

An attack; an assault especially of an army.

Examples :

"The enemy's sudden onset of the attack caught the city guard completely off guard. "

military war action

Illustration onset - Image 1

noun

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

Examples :

"the onset of schizophrenia"

medicine disease condition

Illustration onset - Image 1

noun

The initial portion of a syllable, preceding the syllable nucleus.

Examples :

"The onset of the word "banana" is the "ba" sound. "

phonetics language linguistics

Illustration onset - Image 1

noun

(acoustics) The beginning of a musical note or other sound, in which the amplitude rises from zero to an initial peak.

Examples :

"The onset of the piano chord was clear and sharp. "

music sound physics technical

Illustration onset - Image 1

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noun

A setting about; a beginning.

Examples :

"the onset of puberty"

Illustration onset - Image 1

noun

Anything added, such as an ornament or as a useful appendage.

Examples :

"The onset of a new, colorful handle made the old toolbox more appealing. "

Illustration onset - Image 1

verb

To assault; to set upon.

Examples :

"The bully would often wait after school to onset smaller children. "

action military war

Illustration onset - Image 1

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verb

To set about; to begin.

Examples :

"The children will onset their homework after dinner. "

time action process