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offset |
4 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Offset \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. From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Offset \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 From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Offset \Off"set\, v. i. (Printing) To make an offset. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: offset n 1: the time at which something begins; "They got an early start" [syn: {beginning}, {commencement}, {first}, {outset}, {start}, {kickoff}, {starting time}] [ant: {middle}, {end}] 2: a compensating equivalent [syn: {counterbalance}] 3: a horizontal branch from the base of plant that produces new plants from buds at its tips [syn: {stolon}, {runner}] 4: a natural consequence of development [syn: {outgrowth}, {branch}, {offshoot}] 5: a plate makes an inked impression on a rubber-blanketed cylinder, which in turn transfers it to the paper [syn: {offset printing}] 6: where a wall or building narrows abruptly [syn: {set back}, {setoff}] v 1: compensate for or counterbalance; "offset deposits and withdrawals" [syn: {countervail}] 2: make up for "His skills offset his opponent's superior strength" [syn: {cancel}, {set off}]
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