Spin-off
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Look up spin-off or offshoot in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. |
A spin-off is a new organization or entity formed by a split from a larger one, such as a television series based on a pre-existing one, or a new company formed from a university research group or business incubator. In literature, especially in milieu-based popular fictional book series like mysteries, westerns, fantasy or science fiction, the term sub-series is generally used instead of spin-off, but with essentially the same meaning.
Spin-offs as a descriptive term can also include a dissenting faction of a membership organization, a sect of a cult, or a denomination of a church. In business, a spin-off is essentially the opposite of a merger. In computing, a spin-off from a software project is often called a fork.
A spin-off product is a product deriving elements of design, branding or function from an existing product, but which is itself a new distinct product.
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[edit] Corporate spin-off
The common definition of spin out is a division of a company or organization that becomes an independent business.
[edit] Government spin-off
Civilian goods which are the result of military or governmental research are also known as spinoffs.
[edit] Media spin-off
Media spin-off is the process of deriving new radio, video game, film series, book series or television programs from existing ones.
[edit] Research spin-off
A research spin-off is a new company based on the findings of a member or by members of a research group at a university.
The term is also used for concepts or products spun off a research project, for example methods or materials pioneered during the Manhattan Project (spinoff: Commercial Nuclear Power) or during the Space Race (many spinoffs: Integrated Circuits, and hence most modern electronics; freeze-dried foods; satellites et-cetera,).
