takeoff

Etymology

From the verb phrase take off.

noun

1. The rising or ascent of an aircraft or rocket into flight.
   The flight was smooth, but the takeoff was a little rough.
   Coordinate term: landing
2. A parody or lampoon of someone or something.
   Weird Al's song "Lasagna" is a takeoff on the popular song "La Bamba".
   I came across a little pamphlet of the period, yellow and almost undecipherable, which, on examination, I found to be a rather amusing skit or satirical take-off on the profit system. 1897, Edward Bellamy, “ch. 23”, in Equality
3. A quantification, especially of building materials.
   I'll give you an estimate after I do the quantity takeoffs for the trusses and structural steel.
4. (printing, UK, historical) The removal of sheets from the press.
5. The spot from which one takes off; specifically, the place from which a jumper rises in leaping.
   Encyclopaedia of Sport The take-off should be selected with great care, and a pit of large dimensions provided on the landing side.