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

To create the 2026 report, the EWG analyzed the most recent pesticide residue tests conducted by the U.S.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2026

This is when Saharan dust mixes with raindrops leaving behind a reddish-brown residue on surfaces.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

Using this information, scientists developed a "dietary pesticide exposure score" designed to estimate an individual's exposure based on the types of fruits and vegetables consumed and the residue levels detected on those foods.

From Science Daily • Mar. 4, 2026

"It's residue from all that sewage that's floating up and down the coast."

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

Recognition of those factors emphasizes the unexplained residue, whose understanding will be a task for the future.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

Related Words

• debris
• silt
• slag