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

The extreme temperatures, gas, and friction produced during gunfire typically destroy any biological residue.

Read more on Science Daily

Khomchalat founded biochar company Wongphai and now works across Thailand, helping farmers convert crop residues into "something that restores the soil, helps plants to grow more, reduces water usage and keeps the carbon".

Read more on Barron's

Neither ambition nor vanity, his drive is perhaps the residue of a childhood spent trying not to be a burden, where validation could only come through sacrifice.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

And skip the cooking spray: It can polymerize, leaving behind a sticky residue.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"Even the alternatives that people clung to for survival have disappeared," it said, referring to "ambaz", a residue of peanuts after oil has been extracted, which is normally fed to animals.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• debris 
• silt 
• slag