Offset
Offset , noun
[Off + set. Compare Set-off.]
In general, that which is set off, from, before, or against, something
1.
(Botany) 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.
(Architecture) 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.
(Surveying) A short distance measured at right angles from a line actually run to some point in an irregular boundary, or to some object.
6.
(Mechanics) 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.
(Printing) 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; an unintended transfer of an image from one page to another; called also setoff.
8.
See offset printing.
Collocations (1)
Offset staff (Surveying) , a rod, usually ten links long, used in measuring offsets.
Offset , transitive verb
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.
Offset , intransitive verb
(Printing) To make an offset.