Offshoots are branches or derivatives of something larger. The term is often used to describe religious or philosophical movements that have branched off from a larger group. In the crossword, two solutions were provided for the term 'offshoots': SECTS (5 letters) and SCIONS (6 letters). SECTS are a subgroup within a larger religion or philosophy, while SCIONS are descendants of a particular family or group. Both terms can be used to describe offshoots of a larger entity.