re·sid·u·al
ri-ˈzi-jə-wəl 
-jəl;
-ˈzij-wəl
1
a
: the difference between results obtained by observation and by computation from a formula or between the mean of several observations and any one of them
b
: a residual product or substance
c
: an internal aftereffect of experience or activity that influences later behavior
especially
: a disability remaining from a disease or operation
2
: a payment (as to an actor or writer) for each rerun after an initial showing (as of a TV show)
1
: of, relating to, or constituting a residue
2
: leaving a residue that remains effective for some time
a residual pesticide
residually
adverb
Examples of residual in a Sentence
Adjective
She's still dealing with the residual effects of the accident.
Recent Examples on the Web
Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2024
The bill, which takes effect July 1, prohibits the storage and processing of food processing residuals until a use permit has been obtained from the Maryland Department of Agriculture.
—Sherry Greenfield, Baltimore Sun, 25 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for residual 
Noun
The union’s priorities in negotiations are addressing topics such as wages, pension and health benefits, work-life balance and job security, as well as streaming residuals and artificial intelligence, a potentially serious threat to employment.
—Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2024
The bill, which takes effect July 1, prohibits the storage and processing of food processing residuals until a use permit has been obtained from the Maryland Department of Agriculture.
—Sherry Greenfield, Baltimore Sun, 25 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for residual
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'residual.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near residual
Cite this Entry
“Residual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/residual. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
residual
1 of 2 adjective
re·sid·u·al
ri-ˈzij-(ə-)wəl
-ˈzij-əl
1
: of, relating to, or being a residue
2
: leaving a residue that is effective for some time afterward
residually
adverb
-ē
residual
2 of 2 noun
: a residual product, substance, or result
Medical Definition
residual
1 of 2 adjective
re·sid·u·al
ri-ˈzij-(ə-)wəl, -ˈzij-əl
1
: of, relating to, or being something that remains: as
a
: remaining after a disease or operation
residual paralysis
b
: remaining in a body cavity after maximum normal expulsion has occurred
residual urine
see residual volume
2
a
: leaving a residue that remains effective for some time after application
residual insecticides
b
: of or relating to a residual insecticide
a residual spray
residual
2 of 2 noun1
: an internal aftereffect of experience or activity that influences later behavior
2
: a residual abnormality (as a scar or limp)
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share