Definitions for: Offset


[n] structure where a wall or building narrows abruptly
[n] a plate makes an inked impression on a rubber-blanketed cylinder, which in turn transfers it to the paper
[n] a natural consequence of development
[n] a horizontal branch from the base of plant that produces new plants from buds at its tips
[n] a compensating equivalent
[n] the time at which something begins; "They got an early start"
[v] make up for; "His skills offset his opponent's superior strength"
[v] compensate for or counterbalance; "offset deposits and withdrawals"



Webster (1913) Definition: Off"set`, n. [Off + set. Cf. Set-off.]
In general, that which is set off, from, before, or against,
something; as:

1. (Bot.) A short prostrate shoot, which takes root and
produces a tuft of leaves, etc. See Illust. of
Houseleek.

2. A sum, account, or value set off against another sum or
account, as an equivalent; hence, anything which is given
in exchange or retaliation; a set-off.

3. A spur from a range of hills or mountains.

4. (Arch.) A horizontal ledge on the face of a wall, formed
by a diminution of its thickness, or by the weathering or
upper surface of a part built out from it; -- called also
set-off.

5. (Surv.) A short distance measured at right angles from a
line actually run to some point in an irregular boundary,
or to some object.

6. (Mech.) An abrupt bend in an object, as a rod, by which
one part is turned aside out of line, but nearly parallel,
with the rest; the part thus bent aside.

7. (Print.) A more or less distinct transfer of a printed
page or picture to the opposite page, when the pages are
pressed together before the ink is dry or when it is poor.

Offset staff (Surv.), a rod, usually ten links long, used
in measuring offsets.


Off*set", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Offset; p. pr. & vb. n.
Offsetting.]
1. To set off; to place over against; to balance; as, to
offset one account or charge against another.

2. To form an offset in, as in a wall, rod, pipe, etc.


Off"set, v. i. (Printing)
To make an offset.

Synonyms: beginning, branch, cancel, commencement, counterbalance, first, kickoff, offset printing, offshoot, outgrowth, outset, runner, set back, set off, setoff, start, starting time, stolon

Antonyms: end, ending, middle

See Also: balance, birth, compensation, consequence, construction, counteract, counterbalance, countervail, effect, equilibrate, equilibrise, equilibrize, event, incipience, incipiency, issue, letterset printing, neutralize, outcome, photo-offset, photo-offset printing, plant organ, point, point in time, printing, printing process, result, starting point, structure, terminus a quo, threshold, upshot

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