residue

noun

res·​i·​due ˈre-zə-ˌdü How to pronounce residue (audio)
-ˌdyü
: something that remains after a part is taken, separated, or designated or after the completion of a process : remnant, remainder: such as
a
: the part of a testator's estate remaining after the satisfaction of all debts, charges, allowances, and previous devises and bequests
b
: the remainder after subtracting a multiple of a modulus from an integer or a power of the integer that can appear as the second of the two terms in an appropriate congruence
2 and 7 are residues of 12 modulo 5
c
: a constituent structural unit (such as a group or monomer) of a usually complex molecule
amino acid residues from hydrolysis of protein

Examples of residue in a Sentence

The grill was covered in a greasy residue from the hamburgers. The divorce left a residue of pain in the family. There was some kind of sticky residue on the floor. She left the residue of her estate to her daughter.
Recent Examples on the Web Coffee leaves a residue, and the mineral build-up is a haven for bacteria, yeast, and mold. USA TODAY, 6 Apr. 2024 The brush was able to quickly scrub residue off tile surfaces. Camryn Rabideau, Peoplemag, 3 Apr. 2024 The moisturizer fully absorbed within 10 minutes, leaving no residue on the skin. Lauren Paige Richeson, Health, 3 Apr. 2024 It is formulated to go on smooth, feel great, absorb quickly, and leave no trace of greasy residue. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024 This 100% organic version works for all hair types and textures, without leaving oily residue behind. Jenn Barthole, Glamour, 29 Mar. 2024 Neighboring beach cities have not reported any signs of oil residue on their shores. Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2024 Begin by scraping off any stuck-on residue, then proceed to wipe it down with dish soap and water. Katherine Owen, Southern Living, 27 Mar. 2024 Dish soap and water: Can be effective for light cleaning, everyday messes, and removing food residue. Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 26 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'residue.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin residuum, from neuter of residuus left over, from residēre to remain

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of residue was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near residue

Cite this Entry

“Residue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/residue. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

residue

noun
res·​i·​due ˈrez-ə-ˌd(y)ü How to pronounce residue (audio)
: whatever remains after a part is taken, set apart, or lost or after the completion of a process

Medical Definition

residue

noun
res·​i·​due ˈrez-ə-ˌd(y)ü How to pronounce residue (audio)
: something that remains after a part is taken, separated, or designated
specifically : a constituent structural unit (as a group or monomer) of a usually complex molecule
amino acid residues in a protein

Legal Definition

residue

noun
res·​i·​due ˈre-zə-ˌdü, -ˌdyü How to pronounce residue (audio)
: something that remains after a part is taken, separated, or designated
specifically : the part of a testator's estate remaining after the satisfaction of all debts, charges, taxes, and legacies other than residuary legacies

More from Merriam-Webster on residue

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