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.

---

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

---

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

It expects production to increase to more than 90% of capacity within weeks, once the Residue Catalytic Cracking Unit restarts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 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

He is the author of the memoir “Survival Math: Notes on an All-American Family” and the novel “The Residue Years.”

From New York Times • Sep. 23, 2021

To the Residue or Remnant of the Israelites, Peace without end.

From The History of Sabatai Sevi The Suppos'd Messiah of the Jews by Evelyn, John

Related Words

• debris
• silt
• slag