residue

[rez-i-doo, -dyoo]

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

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of residue¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of residue¹

C14: from Old French residu , from Latin residuus remaining over, from residēre to stay behind, _reside

Synonym Study

See remainder.

Example Sentences

Gunshot residue was discovered on items of clothing of a number of the gang – including on designer jackets belonging to Munro and Hendry.

From BBC

They’re residue of felled trees that burned in the horrific Palisades conflagration.

From Los Angeles Times

This is the residue of peanuts after the oil has been extracted, normally fed to animals.

From BBC

"Also, you've got residues and wastes that you have to deal with out of this industry, and that's problematic. They often produce radioactive materials. It comes at a cost."

From BBC

He was packed off, without a phone call, access to a lawyer, or even a way to clean the pepper-spray residue off his clothes and face, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• debris 
• silt 
• slag