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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Doing this will help remove any residue left behind on your earbuds from hair products, sunscreen, or insect repellant. Julia Ries, Outside Online, 14 Nov. 2024 Use a cooktop scraper or soft sponge to remove stubborn residue while the cooktop is still warm for easier cleaning. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2024 Pakistan’s Punjab is providing subsidized super-seeders to farmers to offer alternative methods for disposing of crop residue. Sophia Saifi, CNN, 4 Nov. 2024 To clean the dishwasher, first remove any visible residue by hand. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for residue 

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 1 Dec. 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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