onset
//ˈɒn.sɛt//
Noun
onsetSingular
onsetsPlural
1
The beginning or start of something, especially something unpleasant.
The onset of winter brought cold temperatures to the region.
2
An attack or assault.
The soldiers prepared for the onset of the enemy forces.
3
(Phonetics) The initial consonant sound or sounds of a syllable.
In the word 'string,' the onset is 'str.'