noun
A somewhat formal or literary term for the very beginning or source of something. Often used in philosophical, historical, or technical contexts.
宇宙の元始についての研究が進んでいる。
Research on the origin of the universe is advancing.
この儀式は古代の元始にまでさかのぼる。
This ritual dates back to the beginnings of ancient times.
Composed of 元 (origin, source) and 始 (beginning). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the combination naturally conveys the idea of the very first beginning.