Entertainer, from start, is terrific (7)
I believe the answer is:
artiste
'entertainer' is the definition.
(artiste is a kind of entertainer)
'from start is terrific' is the wordplay.
'from' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'ARTISTE' is hidden within 'start is terrific'.
(Other definitions for artiste that I've seen before include "'Public performer, dancer or singer (7)'" , "Entertainer, singer or dancer" , "Person playing" , "nightclub entertainer?" , "Attires for professional entertainer" .)