Offshore drilling


The operation of oil wells on the continental shelf, sometimes in water hundreds of feet deep.

Note: Public debate about offshore drilling concentrates on the possibility that large oil spills will occur, with subsequent damage to the coastal environment.

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  • Offshoreman

    [awf-shawr-muh n, -shohr-, of-] /ˈɔfˈʃɔr mən, -ˈʃoʊr-, ˈɒf-/ noun, plural offshoremen. 1. a person who works , especially on an oil rig.

  • Offshoring

    [awf-shawr-ing, ‐shohr‐, of‐] /ˈɔfˈʃɔr ɪŋ, ‐ˈʃoʊr‐, ˈɒf‐/ noun 1. the practice of moving employees or certain business activities to foreign countries as a way to lower costs, avoid taxes, etc.: the offshoring of software jobs to China. /ˈɒfˌʃɔːrɪŋ/ noun 1. the practice of moving a company’s operating base to a foreign country where labour costs […]

  • Offside

    [awf-sahyd, of-] /ˈɔfˈsaɪd, ˈɒf-/ adjective, adverb 1. Sports. illegally beyond a prescribed line or area or in advance of the ball or puck at the beginning of or during play or a play: The touchdown was nullified because the offensive left tackle was offside. 2. with or in doubtful propriety or taste; risqué: an offside […]

  • Offsider

    [awf-sahy-der, of-] /ˈɔfˈsaɪ dər, ˈɒf-/ noun, Australian. 1. an assistant or helper. 2. a follower or supporter of a person or cause. /ˌɒfˈsaɪdə/ noun 1. (Austral & NZ) a partner or assistant

  • Off-site

    adjective, adverb 1. away from the principle area of activity adj. 1956, from off (adv.) + site (n.).


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