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off-the-shelf

 
Dictionary: off-the-shelf   (ôf'THə-shĕlf', ŏf'-)
 
adj.

Available from merchandise in stock; not custom-made.


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Refers to products that are factory-packaged and available for sale to either a company or to the general public. In the tech industry, off-the-shelf programs would be the opposite of custom software.

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Idioms: off the shelf
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Ready-made, available from merchandise or in stock, as opposed to a special order. For example, Sometimes you can get a better discount by buying an appliance off the shelf. [First half of 1900s] Also see off the rack; on the shelf.


 
WordNet: off-the-shelf
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Note: click on a word meaning below to see its connections and related words.

The adjective has one meaning:

Meaning #1: (of clothing) made in standard sizes
  Synonyms: off-the-rack, off the peg, ready-to-wear


 
 

 

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Dictionary. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2007. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.  Read more
Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. THIS COPYRIGHTED DEFINITION IS FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY.
All other reproduction is strictly prohibited without permission from the publisher.
© 1981-2009 Computer Language Company Inc.  All rights reserved.  Read more
Idioms. The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.  Read more
WordNet. WordNet 1.7.1 Copyright © 2001 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.  Read more

 

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