Crossword Genius

Notes a difference at the start (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

onset

'the start' is the definition.
(both can mean the beginning of something)

'notes a difference' is the wordplay.
'a difference' is an anagram indicator.
'notes' is an anagram of 'ONSET'.

'at' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for onset that I've seen before include "Beginning (of something often unpleasant)" , "Appearance of" , "Stone (anag)" , "Beginning; violent attack" , "origin" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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