offset Meaning, Definition & Usage

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
noun a compensating equivalent
counterbalance.
noun a horizontal branch from the base of plant that produces new plants from buds at its tips
runner; stolon.
noun a natural consequence of development
outgrowth; offshoot; branch.
noun a plate makes an inked impression on a rubber-blanketed cylinder, which in turn transfers it to the paper
offset printing.
noun structure where a wall or building narrows abruptly
set-back; setoff.
verb compensate for or counterbalance
countervail.
- offset deposits and withdrawals
verb make up for
cancel; set off.
- His skills offset his opponent's superior strength
verb cause (printed matter) to transfer or smear onto another surface
verb create an offset in
- offset a wall
verb produce by offset printing
- offset the conference proceedings

Off + set. Cf. Set-off.

In general, that which is set off, from, before, or against, something; as: --
(Bot.) A short prostrate shoot, which takes root and produces a tuft of leaves, etc. See Illust. of Houseleek.
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.
A spur from a range of hills or mountains.
(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.
(Surv.) A short distance measured at right angles from a line actually run to some point in an irregular boundary, or to some object.
(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.
(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

imperfect & past participle Offset; present participle & verbal noun Offsetting

To set off; to place over against; to balance; as, to offset one account or charge against another.
To form an offset in, as in a wall, rod, pipe, etc.