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| off·set [ áwf sèt ] |
noun (plural off·sets) |
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| Definition: |
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1. something counterbalancing something else: something that counterbalances or compensates, or an allowance made in order to counterbalance something
(
often used before a noun
)
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2. construction abrupt bend in straight line: an abrupt bend put into an otherwise straight bar or pipe in order to avoid an obstruction
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3. printing printing process using ink transfer: a method of printing in which inked impressions are transferred onto paper from another surface
(
often used before a noun
)
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4. printing unintentional marking from wet ink: an accidental transfer of ink, usually from one piece of paper to another
(
often used before a noun
)
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5. botany offshoot capable of propagation: an offshoot or runner from the base of a plant that can propagate the plant
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6. genetics offshoot or descendant: something that has developed from something else, e.g. a collateral descendant or group of descendants of a family
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7. geology spur in mountain range: a projecting spur or ridge in a mountain range
(
often used before a noun
)
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8. geology horizontal displacement of rock: the horizontal displacement that occurs as a result of the movement of a rock mass along a fault
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9. something set apart: something set apart from other things
(
often used before a noun
)
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10. measurements surveying line: a short distance measured at right angles from a main survey line, used in finding the area of a piece of land
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11. beginning: the beginning of something
(
dated
)
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12. architecture
Same as setback (sense 2)
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verb (past and past participle off·set, present participle off·set·ting, 3rd person present singular off·sets) |
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| Definition: |
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1. transitive verb counteract something: to balance or make up for something
(
often passive
)
  These improved sales were offset by last month's losses.
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2. transitive and intransitive verb printing print something by transfer: to print something by offset printing, or to accidentally transfer ink by an offset
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3. transitive and intransitive verb construction form or be offset in something: to make an offset in something such as a wall or pipe, or to be formed into an offset
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| off·set adverb |
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