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offset

In general, that which is set off, from, before, or against, something; as:

1. (Science: botany) A short prostrate shoot, which takes root and produces a tuft of leaves, etc.

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

6. (Science: 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. 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, a rod, usually ten links long, used in measuring offsets.

Origin: Off _ set. Cf. Set-off.

Source: Websters Dictiona 36c ry