something that counterbalances, counteracts, or compensates for something else; compensating equivalent.

the start, beginning, or outset.

a short lateral shoot by which certain plants are propagated.

an offshoot or branch of a family or race.

any offshoot; branch.

Also called offset printing , offset lithography. Lithography .

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.

the impression itself.

Also called setoff. Printing . an unintentional transfer of excess or undried ink from one printed sheet to another.

Geology .

(in faults) the magnitude of displacement between two previously aligned bodies.

a spur of a mountain range.

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.

Architecture . setoff ( def. 3 ) .

Surveying .

a short distance measured perpendicularly from a main survey line.

Also called offset line. a line a short distance from and parallel to a main survey line.

Naval Architecture . any of the coordinates by which any point on a hull being planned is located.

of, noting, or pertaining to an offset.

Lithography . pertaining to, printed by, or suitable for printing by offset.

placed away from a center line; off-center.

placed at an angle to something, as to the axis of a form, shape, or object; not parallel.

to counterbalance as an equivalent does; compensate for

The gains offset the losses.

to juxtapose with something else, as for purposes of comparison

to offset advantages against disadvantages.

Printing .

to make an offset of.

to print by the process of offset lithography.

Architecture . to build with a setoff, as a wall.

Surveying . to establish (a line) parallel to a main survey line at an offset.

to project as an offset or branch.

to counterbalance or compensate.

Printing . to make an offset.

verb

account , allow for , atone for , balance , be equivalent , cancel out , charge , counteract , counterpoise , counterpose , countervail , equal , equalize , equipoise , make amends , make up for , negate , neutralize , outweigh , recompense , redeem , requite , set off , compensate , counterbalance , make up , checkmate , complement , ledge , recess , reimburse

noun

amends , indemnification , indemnity , quittance , recompense , redress , reimbursement , remuneration , reparation , repayment , requital , restitution , satisfaction , setoff