off·set • n. / ˈôfˌset; ˈäf-/ 1. a consideration or amount that diminishes or balances the effect of a contrary one: an offset against taxable profits.2. the amount or distance by which something is out of line: these wheels have an offset of four inches. ∎  Surveying a short distance measured perpendicularly from the main line of measurement. ∎  Electr. a small deviation or bias in a voltage or current.3. a side shoot from a plant serving for propagation. ∎  a spur in a mountain range.4. Archit. a sloping ledge in a wall or other feature where the thickness of the part above is diminished.5. a bend in a pipe to carry it past an obstacle.6. [often as adj.] a method of printing in which ink is transferred from a plate or stone to a uniform rubber surface and from that to the paper.• v. / ôfˈset; ˌäf-/ (-set·ting; past and past part. -set) 1. [tr.] (often be offset) counteract (something) by having an opposing force or effect: the deficit has been more than offset by capital inflows.2. [tr.] place out of line: several places where the ridge was offset at right angles to its length.3. [intr.] (of ink or a freshly printed page) transfer an impression to the next leaf or sheet.

offset The distance between a geophone, or the centre of a geophone group, and the shot position. In-line offset is the displacement within the line of the spread; perpendicular (normal) offset is the distance at right angles between the shot and the line of the spread; reflection offset is the horizontal displacement of a dipping reflection event to its migrated position.

offset Method of printing widely used for high-volume publications. In the printing machine, a roller applies ink to the printing plate, which is mounted on a rotating cylinder. The image is then transferred (offset) to a cylinder with a rubber covering, called the blanket. This transfers the image to the paper. Usually, the plates are made by lithography, and the process is called offset lithography. Separate plates are used for each colour of ink.

OFFSET

A contrary claim or demand that may cancel or reduce a given claim; a counterclaim. A kind of bookkeeping entry that counters the effect of a previous entry.

offset See runner.