residual

[ri-zij-oo-uhl]

adjective

1. pertaining to or constituting a residue or remainder; remaining; leftover.

   Synonyms: enduring, lasting, abiding

2. Mathematics.

   1. formed by the subtraction of one quantity from another.

      a residual quantity.

   2. (of a set) having complement of first category.

3. of or relating to the payment of residuals.

4. Medicine/Medical.,  remaining in an organ or part following normal discharge or expulsion.

   residual air.

5. Geology.,  remaining after the soluble elements have been dissolved.

   residual soil.

noun

1. a residual quantity; remainder.

2. Often residuals. something that remains to discomfort or disable a person following an illness, injury, operation, or the like; disability.

   His residuals are a weak heart and light-headedness.

3. Mathematics.

   1. the deviation of one of a set of observations or numbers from the mean of the set.

   2. the deviation between an empirical and a theoretical result.

4. Navigation.,  a slight deviation of an adjusted compass on a certain heading.

5. Usually residuals. additional pay given to a performer for reruns, repeated use of a film, radio or TV commercial, or the like, in which the performer appears.

residual

/ rɪˈzɪdjʊəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or designating a residue or remainder; remaining; left over

2. (of deposits, soils, etc) formed by the weathering of pre-existing rocks and the removal of disintegrated material

3. of or relating to the payment of residuals

noun

1. something left over as a residue; remainder

2. statistics

   1. the difference between the mean of a set of observations and one particular observation

   2. the difference between the numerical value of one particular observation and the theoretical result

3. (often plural) payment made to an actor, actress, musician, etc, for subsequent use of film in which the person appears

Other Word Forms

• nonresidual adjective
• unresidual adjective
• residually adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of residual¹

First recorded in 1550–60; from Latin residu(um) “what is left over, remainder” (noun use of neuter of adjective residuus “left over,” derivative of resid(ēre) “to remain seated, be left over”) + -uus adjective suffix + -al adjective suffix; reside, -al ¹

Example Sentences

“This is another Omicron subvariant, so previous infections with other Omicron variants may offer some residual protection, but, as we know, that protection is not complete, so you can certainly be reinfected,” Hudson said.

From Los Angeles Times

Viewing all the bridal gowns inspires Seema to wonder aloud whether her wedding dreams are residual programming from her girlhood, or if she’s right to want to wear one of those dresses someday.

From Salon

Astin is running as part of the “The Coalition” slate, which advocates for issues including AI protections, strengthening U.S. production and expanding residuals, according to its website.

From Los Angeles Times

And residuals are lower for those who are entitled to them.

From Los Angeles Times

"The underlying technology issue has been resolved, and, while we expect residual delays, our team is working to restore our normal operations," the airline's statement at the time read.

From BBC

Related Words

• continuing www.thesaurus.com
• enduring 
• lingering www.thesaurus.com