offshoot
UK: ˈɒfʃuːt | US: ˈɔːfʃuːt
n. a side shoot or branch growing from a main stem of a plant
n. a derivative or secondary development, such as a product, organization, or idea
n. (figuratively) a natural consequence or byproduct
The word "offshoot" combines "off," meaning "away" or "separate," and "shoot," referring to a new growth from a plant. Originally used literally for botanical branches, it later expanded metaphorically to describe secondary developments in organizations, ideas, or industries. The logic mirrors a plant’s natural branching—just as a shoot diverges from the main stem, an "offshoot" diverges from its source.
The gardener trimmed the offshoot to encourage the main plant’s growth.
The tech company started as an offshoot of a university research project.
This new policy is an offshoot of earlier environmental regulations.
The novel’s protagonist is an offshoot of the author’s own experiences.
The startup was an offshoot of a larger corporation’s innovation lab.