the starting point
start of an event or action
Cases of word usage
1) towards the back or beginning (backward)
2) (to produce) a leaf or flower in the beginning of its growth (bud)
3) the symbol placed at the beginning of a stave to show the pitch of the notes (clef)
4) of, at or in the beginning stage(s) (elementary)
5) the omission of a sound at the beginning or end of a word (elision)
6) an inscription on a coin, statue etc; a short quotation at the beginning of a book or chapter (epigraph)
7) (a beginning of) a period of time in history, life etc marked by special events or characteristics (epoch)
8) without beginning or end; lasting for ever (eternal)
9) food served at the beginning of a meal (hors d'oeuvres)
10) to introduce (a new official, professor, passenger ship etc) at a special ceremony; to be the beginning of (something) (inaugurate)