residue

American  

[rez-i-doo, -dyoo] / ˈrɛz ɪˌdu, -ˌdyu /

noun

1. something that remains after a part is removed, disposed of, or used; remainder; rest; remnant.

   Synonyms:

   residuum

2. Chemistry.

   1. residuum.

   2. an atom or group of atoms considered as a group or part of a molecule.

   3. that part remaining as a solid on a filter paper after a liquid passes through in the filtration procedure.

3. Law. the part of a testator's estate that remains after the payment of all debts, charges, special devises, and bequests.

4. Mathematics.

   1. the coefficient of the term with exponent −1 in a Laurent series of a function of a complex variable.

   2. a number related to a given number by a congruence.

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residue British  

/ ˈrɛzɪˌdjuː /

noun

1. matter remaining after something has been removed

2. law what is left of an estate after the discharge of debts and distribution of specific gifts

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Synonym Usage

See remainder.

Etymology

Origin of residue

1300–50; Middle English from Middle French residu from Latin residuum “what is left over”; see residual

Explanation

Residue is anything that's left over when a substance has been removed, like the grease left over on a frying pan. It can also mean, simply, "remainder." When residue refers to a liquid, it’s what’s left at the bottom of a bottle, a pot, or a can after the rest has been poured out. Legally, the residue is the remainder of the money in an estate, after bills and taxes have been paid. So if your millionaire aunt leaves you her estate, but didn’t pay any bills for the last ten years, you may not get much residue!

Example Sentences

Residue from the gutta percha insulation could foul cable-laying machines.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

Residue tests were being carried out on the suspects’ fingers and clothing to try to determine in any of the people detained had handled flares, authorities said.

From Washington Times • Dec. 8, 2023

Residue will also probably build up on soap and softener dispensers, so clean those, too.

From Washington Post • May 23, 2022

As "The Residue Years" is like my particular or immediate family, the story of my immediate family, and then "Survival Math" is like the story of my extended family.

From Salon • Mar. 5, 2019

But you must first bruise the Cherries gently in a mortar, and rub through a sieve all that will pass, and strain the Residue hard through your hands.

From The Closet of Sir Kenelm Digby Knight Opened by MacDonell, Anne

Related Words

• debris
• silt
• slag