n. , adj. /awf"set', of"-/ ; v. /awf'set", of'-/ , n., adj., v., offset, offsetting .
n.
1. something that counterbalances, counteracts, or compensates for something else; compensating equivalent.
2. the start, beginning, or outset.
3. a short lateral shoot by which certain plants are propagated.
4. an offshoot or branch of a family or race.
5. any offshoot; branch.
6. Also called offset printing, offset lithography . Lithog.
a. a process in which a lithographic stone or metal or paper plate is used to make an inked impression on a rubber blanket that transfers it to the paper being printed, instead of being made directly on the paper.
b. the impression itself.
7. Also called setoff . Print. an unintentional transfer of excess or undried ink from one printed sheet to another.
8. Geol.
a. (in faults) the magnitude of displacement between two previously aligned bodies.
b. a spur of a mountain range.
9. Mach. a jog or short displacement in an otherwise straight and continuous line, as in a pipe, lever, or rod, made to avoid objects or to connect with other parts.
10. Archit. setoff (def. 3).
11. Survey.
a. a short distance measured perpendicularly from a main survey line.
b. Also called offset line . a line a short distance from and parallel to a main survey line.
12. Naval Archit. any of the coordinates by which any point on a hull being planned is located.
adj.
13. of, noting, or pertaining to an offset.
14. Lithog. pertaining to, printed by, or suitable for printing by offset.
15. placed away from a center line; off-center.
16. placed at an angle to something, as to the axis of a form, shape, or object; not parallel.
v.t.
17. to counterbalance as an equivalent does; compensate for: The gains offset the losses.
18. to juxtapose with something else, as for purposes of comparison: to offset advantages against disadvantages.
19. Print.
a. to make an offset of.
b. to print by the process of offset lithography.
20. Archit. to build with a setoff, as a wall.
21. Survey. to establish (a line) parallel to a main survey line at an offset.
v.i.
22. to project as an offset or branch.
23. to counterbalance or compensate.
24. Print. to make an offset.
[ 1545-55; after v. phrase set off ]
Syn. 2. onset. 17. match, parallel; counterweight, counterpoise; counteract.