Crossword Genius

Start running group (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

onset

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

'running group' is the wordplay.
'running' becomes 'on' (eg when a machine is running it is on).
'group' becomes 'set' (both can mean a collection).
'on'+'set'='ONSET'

(Other definitions for onset that I've seen before include "starting?" , "Start - opening moments" , "Beginning; violent attack" , "Advent" , "Beginning (of something often unpleasant)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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