commencement

 
Pronunciation: /kəˈmɛnsm(ə)nt/

noun

  • 1the beginning of something: the commencement of the trial [mass noun]: the date of commencement
  • 2North American a ceremony in which degrees or diplomas are conferred on university or high-school students: [as modifier]: a commencement address

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French, from the verb commencier (see commence)