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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Related Words

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

Much of my work is about the psychological and the residue that we carry from generation to generation — things that are in the body that surface through the work.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

Videos posted to social media have shown apocalyptic scenes of a burning liquid oozing down the street, and the persistent smoke has prompted complaints of a “black rain” that leaves an oily residue.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026

One concern is that washing could create a lead-containing residue inside machines, which might need to be cleaned to prevent releasing contamination into wastewater.

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2026

To create the 2026 report, the EWG analyzed the most recent pesticide residue tests conducted by the U.S.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2026

I stooped over and picked it up in order to inspect the empty tin cylinder for a communication of some sort, but only a viscous residue of concentrated juice trickled out on my hand.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole

Related Words

• debris
• silt
• slag