offset Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the time at which something is supposed to begin
    outset; get-go; showtime; starting time; kickoff; start; beginning; commencement; first.
    • they got an early start
    • she knew from the get-go that he was the man for her
  2. noun a compensating equivalent
    counterbalance.
  3. noun a horizontal branch from the base of plant that produces new plants from buds at its tips
    runner; stolon.
  4. noun a natural consequence of development
    outgrowth; offshoot; branch.
  5. noun a plate makes an inked impression on a rubber-blanketed cylinder, which in turn transfers it to the paper
    offset printing.
  6. noun structure where a wall or building narrows abruptly
    set-back; setoff.
  7. verb compensate for or counterbalance
    countervail.
    • offset deposits and withdrawals
  8. verb make up for
    cancel; set off.
    • His skills offset his opponent's superior strength
  9. verb cause (printed matter) to transfer or smear onto another surface
  10. verb create an offset in
    • offset a wall
  11. verb produce by offset printing
    • offset the conference proceedings

WordNet


Off"set` noun
Etymology
Off + set. Cf. Set-off.
Definitions
  1. In general, that which is set off, from, before, or against, something; as: --
  2. (Bot.) A short prostrate shoot, which takes root and produces a tuft of leaves, etc. See Illust. of Houseleek.
  3. 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.
  4. A spur from a range of hills or mountains.
  5. (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.
  6. (Surv.) A short distance measured at right angles from a line actually run to some point in an irregular boundary, or to some object.
  7. (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.
  8. (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 printing. see def. 7
Off*set" transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Offset; present participle & verbal noun Offsetting
Definitions
  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 intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. (Printing) To make an offset.

Webster 1913