(~s)
1.
The ~ of something is its beginning. (FORMAL)
All applicants should be at least 16 years of age at the ~ of this course.
N-UNCOUNT: usu the N of n
2.
Commencement is a ceremony at a university, college, or high school at which students formally receive their degrees or diplomas. (AM; in BRIT, use graduation )
N-VAR: usu N n