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set-back

 - 3 dictionary results

set-back

[set-bak]
–noun
1. Surveying. the interval by which a chain or tape exceeds the length being measured.
2. setback (def. 4).

Origin:
special use of setback

set⋅back

[set-bak]
–noun
1. a check to progress; a reverse or defeat: The new law was a setback.
2. Architecture. a recession of the upper part of a building from the building line, as to lighten the structure or to permit a desired amount of light and air to reach ground level at the foot of the building.
3. an act or instance of setting back: A nightly setback of your home thermostats can save a great deal of fuel.
4. Also, set-back. a downward temperature adjustment of a thermostat, esp. performed automatically, as by a timer.

Origin:
1665–75; n. use of v. phrase set back
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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set-back

noun
structure where a wall or building narrows abruptly 
WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.
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