[n., adj. awf-set, of-; v. awf-set, of-] 
noun, adjective, verb, -set, -set⋅ting.| 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. Lithography.
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| 7. | Also called setoff. Printing. an unintentional transfer of excess or undried ink from one printed sheet to another. |
| 8. | Geology.
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| 9. | Machinery. 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. | Architecture. setoff (def. 3). |
| 11. | Surveying.
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| 12. | Naval Architecture. any of the coordinates by which any point on a hull being planned is located. |
| 13. | of, noting, or pertaining to an offset. |
| 14. | Lithography. 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. |
| 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. | Printing.
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| 20. | Architecture. to build with a setoff, as a wall. |
| 21. | Surveying. to establish (a line) parallel to a main survey line at an offset. |
| 22. | to project as an offset or branch. |
| 23. | to counterbalance or compensate. |
| 24. | Printing. to make an offset. |
| offset printing n. The process of printing by indirect image transfer, especially by using a metal or paper plate to ink a smooth rubber cylinder that transfers the ink to the paper. |
offset
| offset (ôf'sět') Pronunciation Key
A shoot that develops laterally at the base of a plant, often rooting to form a new plant. Many succulents and cacti are propagated by removing offsets and planting them elsewhere. See more at vegetative reproduction. |