OFFSET

Offset

In computer science, an offset within an array or other data structure object is an integer indicating the distance from the beginning of the object up until a given element or point, presumably within the same object. The concept of a distance is valid only if all elements of the object are the same size .

The above text is a snippet from Wikipedia: Offset (computer science)
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offset

Noun

  1. Anything that acts as counterbalance; a compensating equivalent.
    Today's victory was an offset to yesterday's defeat.
  2. A form of countertrade arrangement, in which the seller agrees to purchase within a set time frame products of a certain value from the buying country. This kind of agreement may be used in large international public sector contracts such as arms sales.
  3. A time at which something begins; outset.
  4. A printing method, in which ink is carried from a metal plate to a rubber blanket and from there to the printing surface.
  5. The difference between a target memory address and a base address.
    An array of bytes uses its index as the offset, of words a multiple thereof.
  6. The distance by which one thing is out of alignment with another.
    There is a small offset between the switch and the indicator which some users found confusing.
  7. A short distance measured at right angles from a line actually run to some point in an irregular boundary, or to some object.
  8. An abrupt bend in an object, such as a rod, by which one part is turned aside out of line, but nearly parallel, with the rest; the part thus bent aside.
  9. A short prostrate shoot that takes root and produces a tuft of leaves, etc.
  10. A spur from a range of hills or mountains.
  11. A horizontal ledge on the face of a wall, formed by a diminution of its thickness, or by the weathering or upper surface of a part built out from it; a set-off.

Verb

  1. To compensate for something.
    I'll offset the time difference locally.
    to offset one charge against another
  2. To form an offset in (a wall, rod, pipe, etc.).


The above text is a snippet from Wiktionary: offset
and as such is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

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