by-product

[bahy-prod-uhkt]

noun

1. a secondary or incidental product, as in a process of manufacture.

2. the result of another action, often unforeseen or unintended.

by-product

noun

1. a secondary or incidental product of a manufacturing process

2. a side effect

by-product

1. Something produced in the process of making something else. When plants produce carbohydrates by photosynthesis, oxygen is released as a by-product. Asphalt and paraffin are by-products of the process of refining crude oil into gasoline.

Word History and Origins

Origin of by-product¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

The protein trend has been especially driven by the expanded availability of protein from whey, typically a by-product of cheese production.

From BBC

It adds that interference occurs primarily near conflict zones as a by-product of military activity, rather than necessarily being a deliberate act.

From BBC

Once regarded as a by-product in cheese-making, whey protein has become increasingly popular for use in smoothies, food and for people using injectable weight loss medications to prevent muscle wastage.

From BBC

Rapp agreed with the advice but she went to work regardless, a by-product of career insecurity and a need for approval.

From BBC

However, an unexpected by-product of him sounding less confident was that he also managed to sound, at times, more human.

From BBC

Related Words

• outgrowth