n. Function: noun
the first part or stage of a process or development FF1C; the first few chapters at the beginning of the novel FF1E;
Synonyms: alpha, birth, commencement, dawn, dawning, day spring, genesis, onset, opening, opening gun, outset, outstart, setout, start
Related Words: creation, inception, origin, origination, root, source, spring; anlage, rudiment, sprout; prologue; appearance, emergence, rise; incipiency, infancy
Idioms: the word go
Contrasted Words: consummation, termination; closing, completion, conclusion; omega
Antonyms: end, ending